dfballoons09

"Nothing But Blue Skies" For Balloons
on Saturday Night

by: Bobby McDonald

Balloon pilots managed to get their balloons launched on Saturday afternoon and the skies over Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County were filled with the spectacular color, floating through the air. Of course, this 8th Annual Dairy Festival Balloon Rally marks an event that is becoming a tradition in Hopkins County, where families come to the launch area and enjoy the wonderful show. Meanwhile, many homeowners throughtout the county plan parties around the launching of the balloons and watch them from the comfort of their own home.

"You never know when a balloon might show-up in your backyard or hay meadow," declared one local farmer. "They're welcome to land on my property any time, as they are absolutely gorgeous!"

Hopkins County bade good-bye to the balloons and their pilots on Sunday at noon with the Pilot's Award Banquet, hosted in the Southwest Dairy Museum, with all of the pilots eager to make the return trip next year, to add to the many Dairy Festival activities.

A series of prizes and awards were presented to pilots and their crews and "hats off" to David and Pam Black, who have chaired this segment of Dairy Festival for the past few years. Guys you did a great job and added a spectacular portion to our 50th Anniversary Celebration!!!