The Sky's the Limit

Over the Back Fence Magazine | Summer 2003

They gather in the quiet dew of early mornings like nomadic tribesmen from distant states and countries. Hot coffee fuels their smiles while spec­tators gather with children and cameras to witness their panorama of color. As unique breed of pilots, the bal­loonist has a profound passion for flying. They are not speed demons but artists who paint the early morning blue with vibrant colors in a silent grace that mystify onlookers with dreams of adventure. The Columbus Big Bear Balloon Festival will launch for its fourth year this June 20-22, making it one of the largest balloon festivals in North America. This massive event drew 100,000 people this past year to enjoy the colorful exhibition of immense hot air balloons from all over the country. The festival takes place at Grove City's Beulah Park, located just west of Columbus on the outer 270 belt-way.

.Skydiving, Airborne Jugglers, Paul Bunyan Lumberjacks and the Wild Oneswith their bikes, boards and blades are major attractions.  Magic and puppet shows entertain children sur­rounding the signature exhibition of the magnificent balloons that begin each morning with a vibrant launch into the skies of Grove City.

The festival is teaming with family entertainment for all age groups with a county fair atmosphere of cotton candy and rides mingled with arts, crafts and demonstrations that are educational and entertaining for children.

"We started out with about 75,000 people three years ago."  Howard Freeman, Co-Executive Producer of The Festival Group, states.   "We are expect­ing sixty-seven balloons, which is the largest gathering ever seen in central Ohio-impressive signature balloons like the albino grizzly bear and all kinds of special-shaped balloons from throughout the whole country and Canada.

"From the early morning launch of the massive balloons to the warm balloon glows that illuminate the night, specta­tors gather to see spectacular sights.   Music is a major theme of entertainment that anchors the festival.   Lawn chairs and blankets encircle the sounds of groups like Huey Lewis and the News, Foreigner or The Marshall Tucker Band who will all perform this year. Throughout the day the sweet smell of funnel cakes and the glitter of flying kites heighten the senses as scheduled shows perform. The Wild Ones launch themselves in aerial maneuvers skate­boards, roller blades and bikes from an 11-foot tall half pipe. This internationally recognized professional stunt team wows the crowd with every daring feat. A High Dive Show with Elastic on smoothness of motion, which has to be seen to really appreciate.

"This festival is truly a family experi­ence. Visitors get up close and personal with these hot air balloon pilots while they inform the public about their tal­ents and abilities to fly such graceful crafts. The festival has become a great introduction to visitors to our Grove City."  Mrs. Cheryl Grossman, Mayor of Grove City, states with exuding pride.     "We are now the largest balloon festival in America's Mid West."
Aerial performances

"This festival is truly a family experi­ence. Visitors get up close and personal with these hot air balloon pilots while they inform the public about their tal­ents and abilities to fly such graceful crafts. The festival has become a great introduction to visitors to our Grove City."  Mrs. Cheryl Grossman, Mayor of Grove City, states with exuding pride.     "We are now the largest balloon festival in America's Mid West."
Aerial performances like The Flying Elvises (E-Team) para­chute from breathtaking heights bearing flags and streamers while lumberjacks from Canada scale towering pine poles. Comedy, magic and renowned puppetry by the Catskill Puppet People of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, NY, will entertain adults as well as children. A petting zoo and a balloon center give children the opportunity to learn, touch and experience activities in ways that they will remember.  If you're feeling adventurous, one may schedule a hot air balloon ride or climb a mountain face wall or simply relax to the sounds of popular bands.

The morning and late night infla­tions and mass ascensions are breath taking. A huge burst of flame streams past the crew holding the balloon openings while several grip guide ropes to control the colossal rising bal­loons,   some   sur­passing 60 to 70 feet and 105,000 cubic feet of hot "We volunteer to help handle and launch the bal­loons." Julie Raines, resident of Grove City, yells over the loud burst of propane that streams to the gaping belly of a bal­loon where her sons Nathan and Josh hold wide the opening for inflation.   "It's excit­ing and we all learn something. To get close to these giants is spectacular. This is our second year vol­unteering."

With the loud snorts of flaming propane, numerous balloons ascend. The ground recedes slowly and an awe­some quiet engulfs passengers as the hot expansion of air pulls them high into the clouds.
"I've been doing this for nearly twenty years," grins Doug Gantt, pilot of the world's largest flying pig.  It smoothly rises with another burst of heat. "You live out of suitcases and motels for about six months of the year. I put 50,000 miles on my vehicle last year.   My father always had said the expression, 'when pigs fly', so here we are."   Confined within the narrow wicker basket, occupant's look down at the shrinking crowds. "I have the best job in the world." He smiles. "The wind is your captain, the beauty about ballooning is they land where they land."

Nighttime gives the festival an unusual feel with music, food and the warm balloon glows of tethered bob­bing balloons.   "It is an amazing sight that creates lasting memories." Reminds Mayor Grossman. Which is what this festival is all about.

To learn more about the specific times and events for the 2003 Columbus Big Bear Balloon Festival, call 1-877-9FUNFEST or write Grove City Chamber of Commerce at: 4069 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio, 43123 (Phone: 614-875-9762).   Visit the Big Bear Balloon Festival website at: http://www. balloonfestival, com for details and tickets. To learn more about ballooning his­tory, facts and events visit: Ballooning Online at http:// www. ballooning.org/ballooning