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Balloon Fest promises to be one of the best
What's becoming a wonderful tradition promises to be reinforced and expanded this weekend as the McCook Balloon Fest moves to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.
No matter where you live in McCook, you should at least be able to get a glimpse of the eight to 12 huge, brightly-colored aircraft as they ascend, weather permitting, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning.
Organizer John Kugler noted that the fairgrounds offers more shelter than the traditional airport venue, as well as plenty of parking and room for other activities.
There's a chance of a thunderstorm Friday, but Saturday and Sunday promise to be more hospitable to the limits of hotter-than-air aerial navigation.
If you've never been to a balloon rally, you're in for a treat. If you're a veteran, you know it will be an amazing and inspiring sight.
Veterans also will know that ballooning isn't a sport that can follow a strict schedule, so plan on coming plenty early and staying late to make the most of the fun.
Even if wind prevents one of the liftoffs, there will be plenty of "hangar flying" for pilots and crews as well as other attractions.
Pilots, sponsors and crews plan to gather at 6:45 a.m. Saturday, with the Kiwanis offering breakfast at 7, a national anthem at 7:15 and the mass hot air balloon launch estimated at 7:30 a.m.
Retrieved and repacked, the balloonists plan to take a break in the afternoon before returning for a coordination meeting at 5:45 p.m. in preparation for a launch and / or balloon glow at 6:30 p.m.
This time, however, there will be a motorcycle show sponsored by ABATE of Nebraska District 12, food served by Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe in the 4-H building, a history of ballooning exhibit in the 4-H building, and the Bison cheerleaders will be onhand for face painting, serving cotton candy and entertainment, the Sno Place will provide treats and the Nebraska National Guard will have its custom Chevy Blazer on display, along with entertainment throughout the evening.
An abbreviated schedule concludes the event Sunday morning, with a Kiwanis breakfast and launch about the same times as Saturday.
If you're planning to attend, there are a few tips to remember:
* Dress is layers so you'll be comfortable whether the sun is in the sky or below the horizon
* Bring sunscreen
* Wear eye protection
* Don't smoke anywhere near the balloons; you might ignite the fuel tank or melt the balloon's envelope
* Designate a meeting spot in case someone in your group gets lost
* Make sure your kids are carrying identification
* Watch the road when you're driving; pull over to watch the balloons
* Watch out for vehicles driving around the field, especially emergency vehicles needing to get through the crowd
* Bring your flashlight for after dark, remember where you parked, and bring your cell phone