Feather passengers, pilots float over Fresno

Baskets, colorful patterns and bright flames filled the morning air as hot air balloons soared above north Fresno County, Oct. 28-29. Passengers of the balloons caught a glimpse of Fresno from a birds-eye view as the flame carried them to altitude during ClovisFest Fun Fly.

Feather staffers Kamryn Schultz, ‘19, and Keith Zhu, ‘18, had the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon over Fresno during the 43rd ClovisFest & Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, Oct. 29. Their private pilot Bob Hobbs took them in his personal balloon: “Morning Dew”. They left from Old Town Clovis rodeo grounds and later landed near Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera. During this journey, the hot air balloon reached 1,650 feet.

Bob Hobbs, from San Jose, has been flying since 2006 and enjoys every minute of it.  He loves to attend events where he is asked to come and be a highlight for fairs such as ClovisFest. His most memorable flight was when he flew over the Sierra Nevada mountains at 12000 feet. He likes flying because it requires him to think and solve problems.

“The only things a hot air balloon will do is go up or down,” Hobbs said. “What you need to do is you need to catch different directions of winds and different elevations. You very rarely end up in the spot you want, but you can steer yourself close using the different winds.”

Thousands of people gathered as early as 6 a.m. to watch trucks and trailers arrive with balloons with crews and pilots, unloading preparing them for lift off from the rodeo grounds.

The early morning breeze made many in the crowd shiver as they pulled their hats over their ears and rubbed their hands together for warmth. For some, waking up to see the sunrise with the balloons is not ideal. But for more than 1,000 other citizens, the sight is worth it.

One such individual, Giana Pradini, had never been to the event before. Every year she saw the balloons and was disappointed that she missed seeing them take off. This year she was able to watch them.

“I was excited to see the behind the scenes of hot air balloons,” Pradini said. “The hot air balloon technician that we were by was incredibly nice and explained the process as he was doing it. It was really cool to see the balloons take off one by one and fill the sky with so many colors. I was excited I finally got to see them and it is definitely something I look forward to doing next year.”

Another viewer, Brent Taylor, was happy to be back with his family. Although they were unable to do so this year, last year Taylor’s family enjoyed following the flight of the balloons to where they landed.

“We like going with our friends with kids, getting coffee and a donut while we watch,” Taylor said. “It’s enjoyable watching all that goes into filling the balloons up with air and getting them ready to launch.  Then when they do launch, there is such enthusiasm and excitement from the crowds when the balloon lifts off the ground.”

Clovis’ balloonmeister Bob Locklin, or “Magic Bob”, has been involved with the aircrafts for more than 21 years. His first major was aeronautics and he flew most anything. Locklin used to be the instigator for hot air balloons, but now he runs the organizing of the balloons.

“I love the people; seeing the smiles on peoples faces,” Locklin said. “I love seeing the joy of the kids when I land in a neighborhood. I love the thought of sharing the joy I get with other people.”

ClovisFest extends over four blocks with over 200 different stations patrons can participate in, including craft vendors commercial vendors, and food booths. This year’s event has improved with the addition of new attractions and booths that were anticipated by guests, such as the Sol-Tek Industries, Inc. ClovisFest International Village which offers cultural adventures and live performances.

Vendors upon vendors lined Pollasky Avenue in Old Town Clovis as more people poured in to check out the interesting food options and unique items. Booths contained everything from delicious pastries to craft trinkets.

JPR Design is a jewelry stand run by Patty Rudd. She started out making jewelry boxes, then began making jewelry out of the scrap wood. She made wood jewelry and added beads to it, which gradually morphed into metal jewelry.

“It’s more of a hobby or second job; it keeps me out of trouble,” Rudd said. “I’ve attended ClovisFest for over 20 years, and it still feels like home to me. I get to see all my friends and the people are good; they make the difference.”

Kim Sanders and her husband Scott created Taste of Paradise Hawaiian Shave Ice, her business that sells shaved ice to customers. They came up with the idea while in Hawaii, and have been doing it for 12 years.

“Our experience at ClovisFest has been good,” Sanders said. “We do mostly fairs, and we were just at the Big Fresno Fair. It’s busy but we only work during the summer, then we’re off until Big Hat Days. Then we work every week through the season.”

ClovisFest provides a friendly environment. This street party is available to the public to enjoy after viewing hot air balloons and participating in activities. If you didn’t get the chance to take part in the event this year, make sure to attend next year.

The slideshow below contains photos taken from the balloon by Keith Zhu.

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Pilot Bob Hobbs, aboard “Morning Dew,” flies with Feather staff members junior Kamryn Schultz and senior Keith Zhu, during ClovisFest Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly, Oct. 29. The threesome float across Fresno County after lifting off from Clovis Rodeo grounds for a 90-minute ride. All photos and video captured by an iPhone 7.

To find out what happened last year at ClovisFest last year, read ClovisFest offers family-oriented fun, high flying balloons. For more articles, read Students support for Operation Christmas Child continues.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @schultz_kamryn and via email: Kamryn Schultz.