It’s not everyday that you can look into the sky and behold a vibrant array of colors produced by a multitude of hot air balloons. This past weekend, the City of Clovis held its 40th annual ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly.
Every year starting in the early hours of the morning, between 8-10 hot air balloonists unload their massive vessels. The Fun Fly takes off from the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.
Citizens of both Clovis and Fresno witness the pilots’ assemble their aircrafts and ready them for takeoff. The laborious process takes nearly an hour. Attendees are often involved in the assembly upon the request of pilots.
Before takeoff, all of the pilots are required to attend a meeting where they are informed about the days predicted weather patterns and other potential obstacles they my encounter in flight.
Exhibitors and their crews participate in the Fun Fly from all over California and occasionally from out of state. Dana Thornton, an experienced pilot since 1980, brought his balloon, the Free Spirit, all the way from San Jose, CA.
Thornton attends many events on a yearly basis. The largest event that he has attended was the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta which features over 700 hot air balloons.
“Just two weeks ago I went to the Great Reno Ballloon Race and that one features about 80 or 90 balloons,” Thornton said. “The weekend before that I went to Ripon, just above Modesto, for the Color of the Skies festival. I would have normally been at an event in Montague up near Yreka, but they cancelled it do to fires and what not. I attend around five to ten events a year.”
The Fun Fly attracts local balloonists and is a great way for them to show of their vessels in a noncompetitive setting.
Local balloonist Peter Pierre, Pilot of the Magic Moments VI, has exhibited many times in the past and loves the environment at the Fun Fly.
“I met a fellow that had a hot air balloon and at that time I was flying sespa planes and he got me hooked,” Pierre said. “Usually most events are competition based and that is why I like this event because it is solely recreational. Plus it is in my home town so it makes it even more fun.”
Hot air ballooning is a passion for many in the Fresno area. If you are interested in ballooning be sure to attend the Clovisfest Fun Fly next year.
Follow The Feather via Twitter: @theFeather. These writers can be reached via Twitter: @namoodnhoj and @2015Beal.
For more features, read the Sept. 19 article, Teacher seeks to fufill vision, recieves new job. For more information on ClovisFest, read Sept. 22 article, Annual ClovisFest inspires community.
