Hot Air Balloons Grace Skies
Over Hopkins County Friday Morning


by: Bobby McDonald

 

If residents of Hopkins County were looking in the sky, as they drove to work on Friday morning, they were treated to the beauty and spectacular presentation of hot air balloons drifting over Sulphur Springs, as the 4th Annual Dairy Aires Balloon Contest got underway at dawn.

Seven balloon pilots arrived early Friday morning to give media rides and to begin the initial flights of the event that will be gracing the skies of Hopkins County, through Sunday morning. "It was a great start and we are expecting about 30 balloons in this year's contest," expressed a delighted Pam Black, who is the Dairy Festival Board coordinator for the balloon activities. "We want everyone to come out to the Sulphur Springs Airport and enjoy this year's festival!"

Black also acknowledged that they still need some volunteers to aid in serving as ground-crew members, and if someone is interested, they can call her at (903)439-5336 or 439-4327. "You really learn about the sport of balloon flying, when you serve as a crew member," expressed Black, who had both her daughters and her husband, local veterinarian David Black, busy helping launch balloons, on Friday morning.

The wind was calm as the balloon pilots and their crews left a short briefing at the Hopkins County Civic Center and headed for the launching sight, beside Shannon Oaks Church. Having rode in one of these magnificent balloons two years ago, I looked forward to another voyage, as I met my pilot, Don Smith, and his crew of wife, Suzanne, and daughter, Tracie, of Garland, Texas.

All seven balloons that had arrived were able to launch, and my pilot suggested that we be one of the later ones to leave, so I could film the most of the balloons in the air. We took his suggestion and soon saw others lifting-off, as we began to use fans and inflate the gigantic balloon.

 

 

"Shots" of propane were used to complete the inflation and the balloons began to gracefully enter the air from the south side of Sulphur Springs, just beyond Interstate-30, where they headed in a northwestern pattern, toward the Sulphur Springs Airport.

 

 

On "lift-off" we were in the air and rising toward a 750 feet height, with winds calmly blowing a gentle breeze, on the beautiful summer morning in Sulphur Springs.

We waved to our friends on the ground and slowly drifted over Interstate-30, as early morning traffic passed below us.

Familiar landmarks began to come into focus, as we witnessed cattle below, that had no earthly idea what was entering their domain, as the colorful balloons drifted over their natural habitat.

 

Downtown Sulphur Springs and the historic Hopkins County Courthouse soon was identifiable, and presented the ideal compass from the air, as a new perspective of  the City of Sulphur Springs came into view.

Gerald Prim Stadium and Eagle Stadium, in Buford Park.


The Southwest Dairy Museum Complex.


And, the first balloons landing at the Sulphur Springs Airport, with Lake Sulphur Springs in the background.


The destination of my balloon was the Bonnie Huffstetler Farm, adjacent to the airport.


We had a soft landing in a pasture!


And, the last balloon came-in for a landing!


The crew on the balloon I rode in was left to right, Brett Bassham, and Don, Suzanne, and Tracie
Smith.


After the balloon was stored properly, it was a celebration and the recitation of the Balloonist's Prayer,
back in the shades of the oak trees at Buford Park.


Food and fun was enjoyed by everyone!



Thanks for a wonderful ride,
Don Smith and Crew!

_______