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Page 1 of 2  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.
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