“Smokey the Bear,” sponsored by Country Financial. “Irish Spirit,” “New Adventure” and “Wolf Spirit” landed behind the Carson Valley Middle School on May 16.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
Despite high winds on Saturday the third annual Hot Air for Hope festival continued Sunday as planned with 25 balloons launching from Lampe Park.
“We had a great flight, and it was beautiful,” said Hot Air for Hope Executive Director Amanda Johnson.
Johnson said two tethered balloons gave families rides and vendors returned to participate in the day’s festivities.
“In all it was a great turn out, despite being blown out on Saturday, everyone was excited as ever to be out and enjoying the festival,” said Johnson.
Similar to the Reno Balloon Races, pilots compete in a navigation contest and proceeds from the three day festival benefits the Douglas County Center for Hope and Healing, a support center for grieving families.
Pilots come from all over Nevada and surrounding states to be a part of the Hot Air for Hope festival, and each have their own story as a pilot.
Pilot of the “Irish Spirit,” Jason Smith said his first flight was with Kearney Davis in “Kearney’s Mistress” in 2009.
“I don’t like heights, so it was a way for me to overcome my fear,” said Smith.
Smith said he crewed for a pilot in Reno for a few years before deciding to pursue his pilot license and received it in October 2017.
Smith has been a part of Hot Air for Hope since its begining.
“Not only do I get to help to organize the event, act as the operations director and safety officer, but I fly in the event,” said Smith.
Smith said his favorite part about being a balloon pilot is the ability to share it with others.
“While I do like flying and the things I get to see and do, having others to experience it with is the really exciting part,” he said.
The winners
First place: Nacho Lopez of “Pixel.”
Second place: Mike Veliz of “Genesis.”
Third place: Ryan Evans of “Aphrodite.”