The man who chaired the original Balloon Classic Illinois has died. Ron Crick was 78 when he died Sunday in Bloomington, Illinois where he has lived the past fourteen years.
While attending Balloons Over Vermilion in Danville two years ago, Crick told VermilionCountyFirst.com News he was impressed with how the balloon event is run now. ‘’Bill, I’ve been here since the one I was involved in closed down,’’ said Crick. ‘’I think that these organizers have done exactly the right thing for Vermilion County and Danville, and I’m impressed.’’
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 of the community,’’ added Crick in the 2019 interview. ‘’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.
Crick also told VermilionCountyFirst.com News in the interview that he thinks ‘’what Pat (O’Shaunnessy) and Jim (Anderson) have done since then, I think this is a good fit for Vermilion County.’’
Crick said he thought it was a good idea to move the ballooning event at the Vermilion Regional Airport from June to July. And he said having a class of kids serve as the ‘’official hosts’’ of Balloons Over Vermilion ‘’is ingenious.’’
Crick chaired Balloon Classic Illinois for over 15 years.
A private memorial service for him will be held at a later date.
