The man who chaired the original Balloon Classic Illinois – as it was known back then – was in Danville for Balloons Over Vermilion. Ron Crick now lives in Bloomington and says he is impressed with Balloons Over Vermilion which lifted off four years ago….
‘’Bill, I’ve been here since the one I was involved in closed down. I think that these organizers have done exactly the right thing for Vermilion County and Danville, and I’ve been impressed,’’ said Crick during an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com News. ‘’I’ve seen them improve on the things that we’ve done. I’ve seen them add things that we didn’t have. And as I look out here, I don’t know how you can’t be impressed with what’s happened. It’s a good feeling,’’ said Crick.
[A crew prepares for lift-off at this year’s event.]
Back in the days of Balloon Classic Illinois the event featured more than 100 hot air balloons…
‘’The intent back then – my intent – was to make this one of the best and largest balloon events in the country so we could put Danville on the map for one day in June, and we could bring recognition to the community. Because, you remember what the community was going through when we were doing this,’’ added Crick. ‘’So, my intent was to build up Danville, build up Vermilion County – and that worked. And what Pat and Jim have done since then, I think this is a good fit for Vermilion County.’’
Crick added he thinks it was a good idea to move the event from June to July. And he says having a class of kids as the official hosts of Balloons of Vermilion is ingenious.
[This story by Bill Pickett, News Director of Neuhoff Media – Danville. Got a news tip for Bill? Call him at (217)-709-1245 or reach him at BillPickett@Neuhoffmedia.com.]
