ASHLAND – For the second night in a row, the wind grounded balloons at BalloonFest activities, but this time, it was a lack of wind that kept pilots from flying.
Around 6 p.m., pilots met and determined they would be able to fly out from Freer Field so preparations were made for a launch. At 7 p.m., conditions had shifted and Balloonmeister Greg Miller made the decision it would be dangerous for pilots to take to the skies due to the lack of winds.
“Low winds are a problem because that is the steering wheel so to speak of the balloons,” said Misty Miller, public relations spokeswoman for BalloonFest. “No wind equals no movement. Thirty-two balloons with no movement hovering over a 400-foot by 400-foot launch field would be a sight to see but very dangerous for balloons, crew, and spectators.”
Since more than a dozen balloons had already inflated for flight, organizers opened the balloon landing area and crowds flocked onto the field for the chance to get an up-close look at the balloons.
“The balloon officials realize that folks come out to see these magnificent balloons and no wind means standing straight up or static display is perfect conditions to allow folks the opportunity to walk around, take pictures and ask pilot questions. The pilots enjoy sharing their sport with the public so it was a win win for all,” Miller said.
The crowds surrounded the balloons, taking selfies, shooting up-close photos of the balloons and chatting with the pilots. Comments on the Ashland BalloonFest Facebook page show how pleased the public was with the chance to go on the field.
Earlier Saturday, a variety of events entertained the crowds gathered at Freer Field, including a cornhole tournament, a visit from COSI on Wheels, a meet-and-greet time with the pilots and the opportunity to see inside two medical helicopters.
Twenty-four teams took part in Saturday’s cornhole tournament. Justin Mathews of Crestline and Jeff Tolliver of Polk won the tournament. Brandon Corwin of Mansfield and Jim Park of Ashland got second place and Richard Strait and Jake McClure of Ashland got third.
Early Saturday morning, balloons were able to fly as all 32 balloons soared over Freer Field and dropped bean bags on targets to score points. The pilots also competed Sunday morning. Dennis Hall, flying Perfect Calm, took first place in the competition and Paul Dale in Spitfire took second. Click here to view a gallery from Saturday’s competition.
Miller said organizers estimate more than 20,000 people attended this year’s BalloonFest, including 11,000 on Saturday.
