Kyle Summer Campers Get An Inside Look At Hot Air Balloons Ahead Of The Pie In The Sky Festival

Small children race around a large gymnasium, coinciding with the feeling of summer time. The squeaky noises arise from tennis shoes across the basketball court; a large multi-colored balloon lays across the floor with a fan blowing air into the machine.

By: Undria Wilson

Kyle—Hill Country Ballooning and Susie Q. Balloon promotions teamed up Wednesday at Laura Belle Wallace Middle School to prepare for the Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon festival.

Pie in The Sky Special Events Specialist, Sarah Watson says the demonstration is a first of its kind and a great way to showcase the hands-on components of a hot air balloon.

“There’s actually a lot of math and science that goes into hot air ballooning and that’s a big goal for us to show them how awesome it is.”

Pilot Susan Garrison launched her ballooning career after visiting a friend in Colorado in 1976. Intrigued with the art of ballooning, Garrison received her license and purchased her first balloon shortly after.

“When you’re in the balloon, it’s like you’re moving with nature,” said Garrison.

Josh Sneed, a hot air balloonmeister, makes sure that safety is first when dealing with hot air balloons.

“I control the safety protocols, especially during bad weather. My job is to make sure that anything dealing with ballooning is safe and fun for the crowd,” Sneed said.

The 2017 Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon festival will take place during Labor Day Weekend at Lake Kyle Park. The festival will consist of a Guinness World Record to have the most people with the name Kyle/Kylie in attendance; a balloon glow, mass balloon ascension and much more.

For more information, please visit http://kyletxpieinthesky.com/.