Ten hot air balloons are scheduled to participate Thursday evening (July 8th) when the Gao Grotto hosts a ‘Splash ‘N Dash’ event at Danville’s Lake Vermilion. The Grotto and Shore Wealth Management say the event is open to the public with paid admission.
Local hot air balloon pilot Dean Carlton says the flight tests the skills of those participating….
{AUDIO: ”We know where the target’s going to be. It will be right out in front – just outside of the Grotto area. So our goal is to fly over that area at some point. So, depending on the wind direction again – you have to pick a launch site. And those decisions are, you know, how far away is it? Is it at the right angle relative to the wind? Do you have permission to launch there?”}
The gates at the Grotto open at 3:00 p.m. with free parking. The admission is $5 per person with children 10 and under admitted for $3 each. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
If the weather cooperates the balloons will likely be flying somewhere between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. according to the Grotto’s website.
Balloons Over Vermilion is Friday and Saturday (July 9th and 10th) at the Vermilion Regional Airport. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. In addition to the hot air balloon flights scheduled Friday and Saturday evening, other attractions include balloon glows, a carnival, Kids Zone, balloon school, tethered balloon rides and live entertainment. For more information visit balloonsoververmilion.com.
