Preparations are underway at the Vermilion Regional Airport to host ‘Balloons Over Vermilion’ on July 13th and 14th. And by this time next weekend it will look like a small city at the airport according to event co-chair Pat O’Shaughnessy.
Members of the event’s steering committee, airport representatives and some from the City of Danville were at the airport laying out plans for everything from tents to restroom facilities.
O’Shaughnessy says spectators will notice some changes to the grounds this year…
[Pat O’Shaughnessy on far left, looks at site plans with Doug Ahrens, Steve Lane and David Schnelle, as they prepare for next weekend. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.]
One of the new things added this year is an opportunity for visitors to the event to get tips from Schlarman Academy’s 3rd Place State Archery Team. Team members will be on hand Saturday, July 14th, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. If the weather cooperates some of the balloon pilots are planning a fly-over the Danville area early Friday (July 13th) before weekend activities get underway. The flight is in addition to the planned flight Thursday evening (July 12th) during the Splash-n-Dash event hosted by the Danville Boat Club.
O’Shaughnessy adds there is still a need for more volunteers. He says one area they need help is with parking…
Again this year a shuttle bus service will be provided. The shuttles start running at 2:30 on Friday afternoon, July 13th, and gates at the airport open at 3:00 p.m. Activities at the airport resume on Saturday, July 14th with bands, a classic car show, Kids Zone, sand volleyball tournament and lots of other activities.
For more information – or to sign-up as a volunteer – visit www.balloonsoververmilion.com.
