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 Summer
Balloon Classic Coming to Waxahachie!
By Kathryn E. Eriksen
The
first annual Summer Balloon Classic will be held at MidWay Airport on
Highway 287, between Waxahachie and Midlothian, from June 20-22, 2008.
Fifty balloons are expected to participate in various events,
including 4 different hot air balloon launches, a “Lites in the Nite”
Balloon Glow at sunset and a nationally sanctioned competition. There
is no charge to attend the festival, but parking is $5.00.
Waxahachie Journal is proud to sponsor this family-oriented event. As
the Official Online Media Sponsor, we will run a series of articles
about the festival, what it is like to ride in a hot air balloon, and
the stories behind the balloons.
The Summer Balloon Classic is organized by Debby Standefer, the
President and CEO of D&D Marketing Concepts. Debby is very familiar
with the “behind the scenes” work necessary to put on such a huge
event. In 1998, she organized a Balloon Festival at the Texas Motor
Speedway. After moving to Denver, Colorado, Debby started the Rocky
Mountain Balloon Festival, which drew more than 50,000 people last
year.
“I thought that we needed to start a balloon festival for folks who
live in the southern sector of the Metroplex”, Debby explained. “The
Plano Balloon Festival is great, but it is difficult for people who
live 60 miles away to attend the early morning ascensions.”
Debbie paused for a minute before adding, “And there are a lot more
open spaces to the south of Dallas – that makes it so much easier to
fly a hot air balloon!”
The main purpose of the event is to introduce and encourage kids and
young adults to become involved in aviation. “Aviation is a great way
to teach kids about responsibility. It requires discipline, training
and hard work, but the payoff is out of this world!” Debby exclaimed.
In addition to the balloons, there will also be an aviation
extravaganza. Gliders, helicopters, fixed wing, jets, skydivers and
the Confederate Air Force will fly over the airport at various times
of the festival. Static displays, exhibits, food items and a
children’s area will also be available. Helicopter and airplane
flights will be offered to the public.
Major sponsors include Curves, Inc. and ReMax Texas. Be sure to look
for their unique balloons at the festival!
For more information about the Summer Balloon Classic, please visit
www.summerballoonclassic.com.
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