WELLSVILLE – Colorful orbs will fill the sky once again as the
the 32nd Wellsville Balloon Rally prepares for take off this
weekend.
Allegany County’s biggest tourism event is a popular destination
for balloonists and fun seekers throughout the country, with some
visitors coming from as far as Florida, Balloon Rally Committee
Chairperson Lynn McCutcheon said.
But repeat visitors will find some new features at this year’s
event that are more than just a bunch of hot air, she said.
For the first time ever, this year’s rally will host the
Energizer Bunny Hot “Hare” balloon, the largest hot air balloons in
the world, Mrs. McCutcheon said.
The giant rabbit is 166 feet tall, 15 feet taller than the
Statue of Liberty. 84 miles of thread were used to create the
massive balloon, according to Energizer.com.
The Energizer Bunny balloon is piloted by Glo Kehoe, who belongs
to a group of only six women in the United States who make their
career as full-time professional corporate balloon pilots, Mrs.
McCutcheon said.
Balloonists preparing for launch from Island Park will enjoy
wireless Internet on the infield, a convenience that has not been
available until this year, Mrs. McCutcheon said.
The power to receive up-to-date weather information on-line and
check email will help balloonists and their crews. The wireless
Internet capability is being provided by Roger Ramsey of the
Computer Clinic in Wellsville, she said.
As is customary, this year’s rally will honor a balloonist as
the Balloonmeister, who will decide whether the weather permits
flight or not.
This year’s Balloonmeister is Kenny Shumate of Florida, who
previously served as Balloonmeister in 2003 and 2004.
Mr. Shumate has been flying hot air balloons for over 23 years
and has logged over 1500 hours in the air. He is also a certified
Flight Instructor and has trained over 45 new pilots, and he will
be bringing his popular Beagle Maximus balloon to the rally.
Weather permitting, the 32nd Wellsville Balloon Rally will kick
off at Island Park on Friday at 6 p.m. until dark, when the pilots
will turn on their burners to create a captivating scene called
afterglow.
On Saturday, two mass launches are scheduled, with one at 6 a.m.
and one at 6 p.m. The band Zoar will perform at the park in the
evening, and fireworks are scheduled at dusk.
The Main Street Festival will also take place downtown on
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The final launch is scheduled for Sunday at 6 a.m.
Spectators are recommended to arrive an hour before a scheduled
launch to find parking. There is a shuttle service between the
launch site and several locations, including The Riverwalk Shopping
Center, Wellsville Shopping Center and the old Ames Shopping
Center.
There are no pets allowed and no smoking allowed on the infield
during the launches.
