WINDSOR, Calif.—An enthusiastic crowd of all ages gathered in Windsor, California last Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic. There were many local spectators, as well as those who traveled from as far as Sacramento, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Oregon.
The event has become a 19-year strong tradition for this quaint town, which is nestled amid sprawling vineyards, in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country. The scenic coast and the Russian River are nearby, making this region of northern California a choice tourist destination.
Popular local radio host Brent Farris, of station KZST-FM, was on hand to entertain the crowd with interesting anecdotes, information and accompanying musical choreography. He seemed very comfortable with the program, having presided over many "Classics" before.
The event started at dawn on Saturday. The air was brisk and the fog unusually thick. Local wildfires continued to burn about 50 miles north, in Ukiah. Air quality, compromised at higher altitudes, was "stifling", and coupled with a quixotic wind, prevented the sequential launch of over 30 balloons. Even "tethering" [short "rides" of about 50 feet, while remaining anchored to ground, by rope] became difficult.
The crowd's enthusiasm however, was not dampened, as the sights, colors and sounds delighted the senses, with the initial set-up of unfurling the vibrant balloons, the inflation process, and the dismantling. The dedication, skills sets and patience of the balloon crews were inspirational.
The balloon teams heralded from all over California, with several teams from Oregon and Nevada, and with one team coming from New Mexico, and another even coming from Florida. (This crowd really gets around, most having recently returned from an event in Vermont.) There were many seasoned pilots, along with their crews. The youngest pilot is 22 years old.
The balloons themselves average about 7 stories high, although the "Energizer" battery bunny mascot, "Hot Hare", was the exception. Set-up required a crew of more than 20 people, who manipulated over 5,000 yards of fabric. The bunny, from ear tip to base, is 166 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. His ears are 60 feet tall (which is as tall as the presidents' faces carved on Mount Rushmore), and he sports a shoe size of 98 EEEEE.
There were other playful, bright and colorful specialty balloons, with distinctive shapes and names, such as "Sushi, the Flying Fish" and the "Purple People Eater," as well as the more traditional style of balloons. A lovely pastel balloon tent, created from a retired balloon, was an object of fascination for both children and adults alike. Booths were set up, with good coffee, breakfast snacks, information and merchandise.
Until the wind kicked up, the crowd was treated to tethering. For only $5.00, one could experience the thrill of "going up" in a balloon, for about 50 feet. The main differences between tethering and an actual launch are the view to be had at 1,000 feet, and the uncertainty of where a balloon will land. (Many a crew has chased long and hard, by vehicle, after wayward balloons.)
After being carefully unfurled, the balloons are first inflated by fan. To promote lift, they need to be heated in bursts, requiring many BTUs of raw, non-preheated propane (which was generously donated by a local propane dealer). The heat and light was welcome on a chilly, overcast morning, but pilots must tolerate these in any temperature.
The sport is no doubt a real investment in resources—of time, money and patience, which makes one realize the degree of commitment to this pursuit. Just considering the current fuel prices is sobering. And the weather, at times heedless of well-laid plans, is a variable that pretty much calls the shots.
All the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and numerous local sponsors was also apparent. Without their help, the pre-admission fee of $5.00 could not have made this event affordable to so many. Sonoma county charities come out as winners, as well, since ticket proceeds are donated to them.
Steve Henricksen, President of the event, and board member, has been involved with the "Classic" for many years. He shared his impression of watching over "30 balloons crowd together, fill with hot air, stand up, slowly lift off, one after the other, like champagne bubbles leaving the bottom of the glass and rising to the top. The colors of the balloons, illuminated in the near darkness of dawn, by a blast of propane burner, the music and the look of pure awe and wonder in a child's face, as you sit back, or walk among the giants, is truly an awesome, unforgettable experience."
The event proved to be a very rewarding experience for so many—a refreshing and uplifting change from the pace of everyday life.
Note: If you would like to experience an upcoming annual highlight of summer to this area, catch the Sonoma County Fair, in Santa Rosa, which runs from July 22 – August 4. This event is always well attended. There will be live entertainment and music, an award winning flower show (a real favorite), horse racing, livestock to see and pet, demonstrations and exhibitions, all kinds of entertainment for the kids, and a wide selection of food vendors.
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