This year’s Balloons Over Vermilion is already being called a huge success. Thousands of people have been enjoying not only the balloons but also the food, music and activities for kids.
A lack of sufficient wind resulted in only a few balloons flying Friday evening, but the weather was perfect for flying Saturday morning. (And another flight was set for Saturday evening.)
(Members of the crew of the Good and Plenty Hot Air Balloon Team prepare for launch Saturday morning from the parking lot of the Gailey Eye Clinic.)
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. (in top photo) says Balloons Over Vermilion is something special…
{Audio: “I think whenever people see the balloons flying it gives them hope, and they feel like kids again no matter how old they are. It’s really magical. And for the people here in Danville and Vermilion County – what I love is that it brings people from not only the surrounding area but all over the world to see some of the best of Danville.”}
(Yes…that was a fish flying over Danville Saturday morning.)
(A small portion of Friday evening’s crowd at the event.)
The Mayor notes the City of Danville plays a big role supporting the event…
{Audio: “We do a lot of set-up. We bring out all of our picnic tables and benches from the city of Danville for the event. We do a lot of extra mowing to help out the county and the airport. And we also do a lot of electrical set-ups. Our electricians are out here for almost two weeks getting everything set up to make sure there’s power for all the vendors.”}
And kids programs all over Vermilion County benefit from the event at the Vermilion Regional Airport….
{Audio: “I’m so proud of how giving our community is. I mean man, last year alone it was over $125-thousand dollars. We’re talking about over a half-million dollars in just a handful of years. As a former director of a non-profit I know that goes a long way. And I very much appreciate their efforts.”}
This is the eighth year of Balloons Over Vermilion. The event is made possible because of support it receives from sponsors, pilots, the Vermilion Regional Airport and an army of local volunteers. For more information about the event visit https://www.balloonsoververmilion.com.
