2008 Woodie Awards
Hot Air Balloon Soars at ISU
Alicen Farnes
Issue date: 8/30/06 Section: News
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The balloon was tied to three trucks so that it wouldn't stray far, and it took over 20 minutes to inflate the balloon to its full size. Spectators watched excitedly as the balloon lifted up from a limp position on its side to fully inflated and ready for rides. One of the balloon company employees skidded across the field while clutching a rope as the balloon rose upright.
Most members of the crowd got their tickets well in advance and were very excited to participate. All participants were required to sign a waiver before being allowed to board the hot air balloon.
"I hope I don't freeze up," said Bernadette Howlett, one of many passengers who were a little afraid of heights.
The ASISU Program Board members were the first to go up in the balloon. According to Diana Painter, the marketing chair, "my eyes were closed going up and coming down". But all of the Program Board members were taking pictures, even though it was raining.
There were many young families present at the hot air balloon site, including Samantha and Altan Hardcastle.
"We saw the ad on the net, so we went to get tickets at the beginning of the semester," Altan said. "We have been looking forward to this for two weeks."
Their niece, Danny, said she was "scared."
Although the Hardcastles aren't very involved in most ISU activities, they were excited about this one.
Lin Fiorentin saw the ad for the balloon ride at the Student Union Building during the first week of school and deciding to join the fun.
"I'm looking forward to it, always wanted to do it, but was never able to," Lin said.
Lin enjoys participating in as many ISU activities as she can. She attended many of the summer concerts and thinks that ISU is the best campus for activities.
Miranda Empey, ASISU's Family Programmer, was in charge of bringing the hot air balloon to ISU. She thought the balloon would be "more visual and would draw attention to Family Programming".
Miranda's inspiration came when saw an advertisement on the Internet for hot air balloon rides. She started calling companies in the area that might give balloon rides, but failed to find any in Idaho that fit the program's needs. She tried the Salt Lake area and found a company called Morning Star Balloons that agreed to come to ISU.
She was surprised at the number of adults interested in the ride since she was expecting many more children.
Family programming is planning many more events in the coming semester, including language classes for children, a treasure hunt and wagon rides. So if you enjoyed the hot air balloon ride, stay tuned for these and other upcoming events.
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