For the first time in 15 years, Balloons over Vermilion was back. With local food, cars, local music, fun for kids, and, yes, hot air balloons, it proved to be well missed. The cool temperatures brought out swarms of folks from old to young. There were tethered balloon ride up to 100 feet up, that accommodated wheelchairs and had a clear door to enable the occupants to see below the rim of the basket. Magic shows, face painting, canvas painting, volleyball, and the well loved bubbles, dancing, video games, and the beloved Disney’s UP playing, there was very little time to be left bored. Finally Saturday night, the big show was the Balloon Glow, just after dusk. Guests were able to get up close and personal with the balloons, ask the crew questions, and even have their pictures taken in the basket of some of the balloons. The OOHH’s and AAHHH’s were not spared as the the polits put on the twinkle show of lights.
A special thanks to Vermilion County Chairman Pat O’Shaughnessy for access, as well as Jim and Nancy Ireland, owners and operators Sun Glow balloon, allowed us to get up close and personal with them as they aired up their balloon. Be on the look out for the festival next year in Vermilion County!
Tethered balloon ride
The inside of Sun Glow
Jim and Nancy Ireland’s Sun Glow
