Balloons land in the Gardnerville Ranchos on Sunday morning after a successful launch for Hot Air for Hope.
Photo special to The R-C by Frank Dressel
Hot Air for Hope successfully launched in still conditions that prevailed this morning.
"We have balloons in the air," said Center for Hope and Healing Executive Director Amanda Johnson said on Sunday.
She said the planned tethered $20 balloon rides and special shape inflated balloon displays are on for 7:30 a.m.at Lampe Park.
Also at the park through 3 p.m. are food trucks and a craft fair.
The event is a fundraiser for the Carson Valley nonprofit that has provided counseling and support groups for grieving children, teens, and adults since 2008.
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Windy conditions grounded Hot Air For Hope’s balloon launch this morning.
The wind arrived in Gardnerville earlier than forecast with 22 mph gusts recorded 5:03 a.m. at a wind gauge on Highway 395 near Carson Valley Health and the Gardnerville Walmart.
Almost due west, along Highway 88 between Mottsville and Centerville lanes a southeast wind gust of 34 mph was recorded at 6:10 a.m. with sustained winds of 19-22 mph starting at 5 a.m.
The winds resulted in a burn pile rekindling at a home off Foothill near Sheridan Acres around 5:30 a.m. just as the wind was starting to pick up. East Fork firefighters responded and cleared the call by 6:13 a.m., according to the Pulse Point app.
Organizers hope to resume their regular program on Sunday morning, should the winds die back.