As we inch closer to Balloons Over Vermilion 2022 at Vermilion Regional Airport, all the personnel are being put in place, and it’s a lot. Balloon Meister Joe Vincent joined Tommy B on D102’s “The Big Show,” and he mentioned that in addition to all the balloon pilots being invited from states all over the country, there are also FAA personnel coming in, because after all; certain rules must be followed, as well as a couple of exceptions that are needed.
AUDIO: You know we violate some of the FAA rules by doing the balloon glows without lights on the aircraft, and then minimum altitudes. You know, we can’t fly within 1,000 feet of the ground, unless we’re landing or taking off. So we get a waiver from the FAA and work with those people quite closely, and they’re here with us during the show the whole time.
Also joining Tommy B was Mary Surprenant, to talk about volunteers for the event. She says, it’s an awesome team to join, and they’d love to have you.
AUDIO: A wonderful group that year after year signs up. And I have to say, folks, that if you haven’t been a part of Balloons Over Vermilion; or even Festival of Trees, now that it’s under one entity; what a great group of people to be around. Folks that truly love where they live.
Mary had just one example of an important job volunteers do.
AUDIO: Remember folks, this is a live airport. And the airplanes don’t stop. So we have to have volunteers to make sure that we can wave down people to prevent them from crossing when we see a plane coming in.
Go to BalloonsOverVermilion.com for more information on volunteering. Remember it’s all set for 3 to 11 PM Friday, July 8th; and 1 to 11 PM Saturday, July 9th.
