Although Balloons Over Vermilion, 2023 had too much high winds for the balloons to soar above Vermilion Regional Airport, the number one attraction once again proved to be the BALLOON GLOWS in the evening, with kids young and old able to approach the balloons, speak with the pilots, and learn more about how they work. Balloon pilot Ed Devore says, nothing tops these up close visits.
AUDIO: Everyone can mingle around, and go see their favorite balloon, and see as many as they can. Most of us have trading cards, and the kids look forward to getting the cards. I even collect the cards, from the other pilots; I’ll get as many as I can. People have all kinds of questions; and there isn’t a single pilot that doesn’t like to talk about their balloon.
Neuhoff Media caught up to District 118 School Board member Shannon Schroeder about half-way through Saturday’s activities.
AUDIO: There’s so many different folks from all over the area that are here. We’re in the vendor tent, so it has been a nice flow of traffic through here in the last day-and-a-half.
We also caught up with an out-of-town family new to Balloons Over Vermilion.
AUDIO: (Where are you from, sir?) I’m from Paxton. (So what’s it like out here, is this a traditional stop for you?) It’s our first time here. Just out with the family, seeing the sights and getting some good food.
Balloonist Ed Devore says from a great family weekend, to satisfying some curiosities, nothing tops Balloons Over Vermilion.
AUDIO: Family friendly environment, everyone can enjoy themselves. Everybody enjoys seeing the balloons, regardless of your age, from 2 to 100. It’s a good time. We drop the tape and we let people get out. You can get up close to them, you can feel the heat from the burners, you can look up inside a balloon. People are just amazed when they look up inside the balloon, and what it’s like for them.
And next up for Jim Anderson, Pat O’Shaughnessy, and the entire Balloons Over Vermilion team; it’s FESTIVAL OF TREES, coming once again in November.
