Did you know that our very own Statesville NC is considered the “Kitty Hawk of ballooning” and is second only to Albuquerque NM for ballooning in the entire nation? It turns out that our Lake Norman area weather and terrain are perfect and October is a prime month according to Charles Page, past Chairman of Nation Balloon Rally Charities which hosts the annual Carolina Balloonfest. “People who come here are the cream of the crop in terms of experienced pilots” Page said.
This weekend, October 19th-October 20th is the 39th Annual CAROLINA BALLOONFEST just up the I-77 from Mooresville at the Statesville Regional Airport. Join in a fun-filled weekend of exciting, family-oriented activities culminating in the mass ascensions of 50 colorful, hot air balloons. I have heard it is simply spectacular and it looks like the weather will be perfect as well.
Over 50 Hot Air Balloonists will arrive and take to the Iredell skies. Among the professional pilots with aeronautic accomplishments are brothers Nick and Chase Donner. In 2001, at age 17, Nick became the youngest pilot ever to win the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship and was named U.S. Rookie of the Year at that event. Recently, Chase Donner earned his place as 2012 US National Champion.
While the big attraction is the hot air balloons, the competition and mass ascension every evening and even balloon rides, there are many many more things going on throughout the weekend including:
- Kid’s Fun Zone
- Aviation Displays
- Wells Fargo Main Stage presents Live Entertainment
- Edu-History hosted by CBA Tastes of NC Wines & Brews
- Artisan Village & Market Place
- Fine Arts & Crafts
- Eat Street’s Great Food
- Beer Tent
- Lone Star Steakhouse Balloon Glow Saturday Evening
For more information go to: Carolina Balloonfest
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