601 Gaither Rd.

I-40 Exit 151

704-235-6655

1011 Folger Dr.

I-77 Exit 49B

704-873-3673

www.StatesvilleChevrolet.com www.RandyMarionFord.com

Statesville
North Carolina

Guest
Parking

Gate 3
Gate 2

Guest
Parking

Thank you for attending the 42nd Annual Carolina

BalloonFest. We are happy that you are here and hope
that your visit will be everything you hope it will be.
This new Event Guide was designed to give you as
much information about the weekend as possible.
Throughout this guide you will find out information
about the schedule, when balloons can fly and when
they cannot, food vendors, marketplace participants,
history of ballooning in Iredell County and where the
bathrooms are.
I would like to thank the City of Statesville for assisting
us in so many ways to help put on this event, without
their help this event would be nearly impossible to
put on. I would also like to thank the hundreds of
volunteers that it takes to put on an event of this
magnitude. Many of the volunteers come back year in
and year out to be a part of this spectacular event. We
could not put this on without our wonderful Sponsors.
Their support allows us the opportunity to put on the
best event possible. If you see a sponsor please thank
them for their support of this event.

Carolina
Kaleideoscope
PILOT
Jack Ponticelli

page

s
balloonist
r
praye

The Winds have welcomed

you with softness.The Sun has
blessed you with his warm
hands.You have flown so high
and so well that God has joined
you in your laughter and set you
gently back again into the loving
arms of Mother Earth.

The Board of Directors and Committee Chairs put

in long hours throughout the year planning and
coordinating all the details of this magnificent event.
I thank them for their dedication and commitment
to Carolina BalloonFest. Lastly, but surely not least I
would like to thank the pilots who come back year
after year to the 2nd longest running Balloon Festival
in the country. We are not the largest by any means
but we are one of the best and most popular events in
the Ballooning community.
I hope you enjoy your time here at Carolina
BalloonFest and that you return year after year.

Robb Collier,
Executive Director
Carolina BalloonFest

2 Message from ED, Robb Collier

Balloonists Prayer
3 Contents
4 History
5 History
6 FAQs
7 Pilots
8 Pilots
9 Pilots
10 Pilots Special Shapes/Commercial
11 Pilots
12 Fanshare Fotos
13 Schedule of Events
14 Main Stage Musician Line Up
15 2nd Stage Musician Line Up
Kids Zone Stage
16 Vendors
17 Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
Eat Street Vendors
18 Sponsors
19 Pilot Meet & Greet
Balloon Learning Center

PILOT:

Atlantis
Mike Goodman

CarolinaBalloonFest.com
lover

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us about a
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If youre about to retire or

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Like a good neighbor,
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CALL ME TODAY.

Soar to a better state with State Farm!

Andrew Whitaker, Agent
1056 Crossroads Drive
Statesville, NC 28625
Bus: 704-873-7710
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company,
www.WeCoverNC.com 1001389.1

Bloomington, IL

Statesvilles Hot Air Balloon History.

In 1965, Ed Yost with Raven Industries in
partnership with the US Air Force, began the
development of modern hot air ballooning.
With the assistance of Don Piccard and
Tracy Barnes, hot air balloon designs
were standardized for Federal Aviation
Administration certification. This marked the
beginning of the hot air balloon industry in
the United States.
Bill Meadows and Tracy Barnes made the first
flight in Iredell County, NC from Statesville
on October 4, 1969. This was the maiden
flight for the Land of Oz, one of Tracys new
design creations, the triangle wicker carriage.

Tracy Barnes formed The Balloon

on
Works right here in Statesville,
North Carolina to manufacture and
sell hot air balloons. The Balloon
n
Works entry into ballooning with
th safe
and affordable sport balloons helped
elped to
ignite the market for hot air ballooning
looning in
the United States.
When the Fest was the Rally. In 1969, Bill
Meadows, a native of Statesville,
e, established
Balloon Ascensions, LTD (a flightt training and
promotion company). Meadowss founded The
National Balloon Rally in 1974. In those early
years of the rally, most of the flights were
made from Balloon Ascensions.
s.

Heartburn
Drew Egerton

PILOT:

$5.00
OFF

your purchase of $30.00 or more

PILOT:

B Happy
Kenny Shumate

*Excludes alcohol. Cannot be combined

with any other offer. Expires 11/15/15.

1712 Old Wilkesboro Road

Statesville 704-873-3022

In 1974, Tracy Barnes

moved the Balloon
Works from Charlotte,
NC to Rhyne Aedrome
near Love Valley,NC
and started
manufaturing hot
air balloons in
Iredell County.
Annual invitations
continued and
hot air balloonists
gathered, camped,
flew and shared
adventures to foster
their passion for flight.
They ascended into the
skies in their majestic,
colorful balloons which
complemented the morning
sunrises and afternoon
sunsets of north Iredell. The
events at Rhyne Aerodrome,
owned by Raeford and Anna
Rhyne, became so popular
that a larger venue was
necessary to accommodate
the growth of enthusiasts
and spectators.
s,
Over the next four decades,
the rallys name and venue
locations would change...
October 2013 marked our
40th Anniversary of hot air
ballooning in Iredell County.
Carolina BalloonFest holds
a special place in ballooning
history as the 2nd longest
(consecutively) held hot air
balloon event in the United
States! There is a trove of
treasured memories and
imagery beholden to many,

many people and they weave

a generous story, indeed.
The early pioneers and
pilots from yesteryear to
the 40th Anniversary of our
festival continue to inspire its
longevity.
Through the decades,
dedicated community
leaders, volunteers and
pilots continued to organize
this lofty, annual tradition.
Today, National Balloon Rally
Charities Inc. dba Carolina
BalloonFest is incorporated
as a 501(c)(3) charitable
organization. A portion of
proceeds raised during the
distri
3-day festival is distributed
back to local nonprofits.

Hang Time
Daniel Sasser

PILOT:

K
Kotis
Family
l Dentistry
Proudly Supports Carolina BalloonFest!

Amanda B. Kotis, DMD, PA

Generations of Excellence
Offering
f
Comprehensive Dental
Care for the Entire Family

Crowns and
Bridges
Extractions
Mercury Free
Fillings
1207 Davie Ave.
A
Statesville, NC 28677

Accepting All
Insurances
Accepting
New Patients
(704) 873-4271

www.KotisFamilyDentistry.com

FAQs
Why do flights take place only in the morning and the late afternoon?

How is flight status communicated for everyone? The flight director

and pilots use a flag system which is near the launch field. Red
means the field is closed for free flight. Yellow means flights are
on hold. Green means the field is open for free flight.

Balloons need stable winds to operate effectively and the hours

just following sunrise and approximately 2 hours before sunset
are the best for finding these winds. Since balloons move with
the air, the weather is very important in deciding whether or not
to fly. The pilot chooses a launch site to use the wind currents
to fly towards a suitable landing site. A balloon flies better in
cooler weather, as the hot air gets a better lift. Even if the
Carolina BalloonFest opens the field for flight, the choice to fly
or not is still up to the Pilot. A Pilot may feel that the weather
conditions (winds) are more than they can handle.

How do I Book A Ride for a Hot Air Balloon Flight? Please visit our

How does a pilot steer a balloon? A hot air balloon goes wherever

in a Safety Vest

the wind takes it. However, pilots can seek higher or lower
altitudes to find wind currents of various directions another
form of sailing!

are permitted.

Will I see hot air balloons throughout the day? Hot Air Balloon
Flights are scheduled to launch twice daily; early morning &
late afternoon. All ballooning activities including static display,
tethered rides and balloon flights are weather dependent. The
decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the
scheduled ballooning activity. Winds & weather may seem calm
for ground dwellers while unsafe for air travelers. When weather
conditions permit, we make every best effort to showcase our
gentle giants for festival guests!

About Tether Rides... 1-2 tether balloons and a walk in balloon

will be on display & offer rides through experience throughout
Saturday & Sunday, between flight launch windows and when
weather permits.

What is cost of a Tethered Balloon Ride & Walk In?

Book A Ride web page for information to make arrangements

direct with a participating pilot.

May I bring my dog or pet? No. Dogs and pets will not permitted to
enter the venue. Service dogs with uniform are the exception.

May I bring a cooler with food & drinks? Coolers, food & drinks will
not be permitted beyond the gates.

How do I report an Emergency? Report emergency to any Volunteer

Are Drones permitted? Only Carolina BalloonFest approved drones
Where are lodging locations and local attractions in the Greater Statesville
area? Discover Lodging & Camping and much more about
Greater Statesville at VisitStatesville.org.

When is 2016 Carolina BalloonFest? 3rd full Weekend in October 2123, 2016 See you, next year!

Why we Soar! National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is an

incorporated 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all
contributions are tax deductible. Our mission is to continue the
heritage of hot air ballooning in Iredell County, spotlight the
community of Statesville and donate a percentage of Carolina
BalloonFest proceeds to local nonprofit organizations. National
Balloon Rally Charities ~ PO Box 267 ~ Statesville NC 28687.
CarolinaBalloonFest.com.

5 Cash only Children; Age 10 & younger

10 Cash only Adults; Age 11 & older
$
2 Walk in Balloon; 3 guests for $5

Carolina BalloonFest is a Rain or Shine Event. Carolina BalloonFest

Tickets are non-refundable.

What is the cost of a hot air balloon ride? $250.00 each passenger.

Call Today!

$
$

How do I Book A Ride? Please contact a participating pilot via

CarolinaBalloonFest.com/book-a-ride page or attend the
Pilot Meet & Greet on the field Saturday & Sunday at 2-3
PM. Payment & flight arrangements are managed between
passenger(s) and pilot(s).

page

Passenger Pre Flight Requirements: Passengers must

check-in, read & sign the event waiver for flight
wristband prior to scheduled flight time at Pre
Flight Check-In Tent.

The Areas Premier

Event Destination

704-662-3334
www.cmccmooresville.com

In Beautiful Historic Downtown Mooresville

Weddings | Parties | Dinners | Banquets | Company Outings

Yellow Express
Chuck Norton

PILOT:

PILOT:

Dense Fog
Charlie Schobel

Carolina Twist
Seeger

PILOT Anthony

Dream Chaser
Colburn

PILOT Tony

Flying Rainbow I I
Carter

R E MAX
Colwell

PILOT Pete

PILOT Buddy

page
Git-R-Done
Roush

PILOT Tom

Quarter-Life
Sally Lidinsky

PILOT:

Oochie 5
Marc Klinger

PILOT:

Lucky Strike
DJ Stukas

PILOT:

Daybreak I I
Cline

PILOT Don

Freedom Flyer
Mark Fritze

PILOT:

Tumbleweed
Sandy Barlett

PILOT:

page

R E LAY FOR LI FE
Marsha Treacy

Great Balls
of Fire
PILOT: Bill Whidden

PILOT:

Mystic Venture
Richard Parr

PILOT:

Christal Delight
Winston

PILOT Bubba

Hot Air Affair

Ray Smith

PILOT:

Time Flies
Nels

PILOT Al

Spitfire
Paul Dale

PILOT:

Spellbound Spirit I I
PILOT: Randy Lee
Sunny Boy
Wayne Fortney

PILOT:

Firestine
Chris Somers

PILOT:

page

SpreeBird
Sharp

PILOT Madison

PILOT:

Wells Fargo
Beth Wright Smith

Jasper Engine
Sean Askerine

PILOT:

Windswept
Matt Lidinsky

PILOT:

Darth Vader Balloon

Benoit Lambert

PILOT:

PILOT:

page

10

Evening Sunrise
David Bristol

PILOT:

Astro Racer
Andrew Nels

PILOT:

Chase Donner

PILOT:

PILOT:

Big Oh!
Charles Page

Elsa
Clarke Harbold

Eclipse
Greg Miller

PILOT:

Great Expectations
PILOT: Jim Falls

PILOT:

PILOT:

Serenity
Rich Hughes

Littlest Angel
Ben Miller

PILOT:

PILOT:

Spirit
Tom Tomasetti

Sunshine
Meredith Bennett

PILOT:

UP
Ty Parson

Thats Amore
Gilbert Martin

PILOT:

Master Yoda
Michael Lambert

PILOT:
PILOT:

Gunslinger
Shane Robinson

Little G
Roy Smith

PILOT:

page

11

Ca
Capture
a great image
& submit in Carolina
BalloonFest 2016
Ba
Foto Contest!
FFanShare
a

1st
Place

2nd
Place

1... 2... 3... Twi nkl e!!

By: Don na Nor ma n

Light Up
By: Katrina Ketring

3rd
Place
Happy Daze
Leonard

PILOT Ian

page

12

Ba llo on s Am id th e M or
Fo g By: Ro xa nn e De ar ni ng
m an

Details to be announced in early 2016 via

ffacebook.com/carolinaballoonfest!

FRIDAY,
IDAY OCTOBER 16
3:00

Gates Open ~ Welcome! Community Appreciation Day

presented by Yadkin Bank
3:00 - 8:30 Kids Zone sponsored by AlarmSouth. Inflatables*,
Bungee Jump, Climb Wall, Walk-in Balloon & Magic Shows
3:00 - 7:00 Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Garden sponsored by
Wine Maestro Downtown Statesville
3:30 - 8:30 Main Stage Entertainment sponsored by Wells Fargo
See Page 14 for Lineup
4:00 - 5:30 Launch Window Mass Ascension, Hot Air Balloons
fly out *
8:30 Gates Close

SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 17
7:00
Gates Open ~ Welcome!

8:00 - 9:30 Launch Window Fly Over* Hot Air Balloon.

Competition sponsored by EnergyUnited Propane
7:00 - 10:00 Balloon Learning Center (located by 2nd Stage)
presented by FireFly Balloons
9:00 - 8:30 Kids Zone sponsored by AlarmSouth. Inflatables*,
Bungee Jump, Climb Wall, Walk-in Balloon & Magic Shows!
See Page 15 for Lineup
11:00 - 5:00 Second Stage Entertainment sponsored by
Goodwill Industries
See Page 15 for Lineup
10:00 - 8:45 Main Stage Entertainment sponsored by Wells Fargo
See Page 14 for Lineup
11:00 - 7:00 Wine & Craft Beer Tasting Garden sponsored by
Wine Maestro Downtown Statesville
1:30 - 7:00 Balloon Learning Center (located by 2nd Stage)
presented by Firefly Balloons
2:00 - 3:00 Pilots Meet & Greet in Launch Field
4:00 - 5:30 Launch Window Mass Ascension, Hot Air Balloons
Fly Out*
6:30 - 7:30 Glow Window Hot Air Balloon Glow sponsored by
Black Automotive Group. Balloons return to the festival field to
inflate & display at dusk*
8:30 Gates Close

SUNDAY
7:00

Gates Open ~ Welcome! Military Appreciation Day

sponsored by Piedmont HealthCare. Thank you Veterans and
Active Military Service Men & Women! Free Admission with
Military Service card/ID
8:00 - 9:30 Launch Window Fly Over* Hot Air Balloon
Competition sponsored by EnergyUnited Propane
7:00 10:00 Balloon Learning Center (located by second 2nd
Stage) presented by Firefly Balloons
8:30 Carolina BalloonFest 5K & Kids Fun Run managed by
Racing Toes and sponsored by Thorlos. Register to Run at
RacingToes.com
10:00 Canine Agility Exhibition by SEAL Swim Charities &
Purple Heart Homes; sponsored by Piedmont HealthCare
11:00 - 4:00 Build-A-Kite sponsored by Piedmont HealthCare
12:00 - 2:00 Fly Your Kite!
11:00 - 5:00 Kids Zone sponsored by AlarmSouth. Inflatables*,
Bungee Jump, Climb Wall, Walk-in Balloon & Magic Shows!
See Page 15 for Lineup
12:00 - 4:30 Second Stage Entertainment sponsored by
Goodwill Industries
See Page 15 for Lineup
1:30 Canine Agility Exhibition by SEAL Swim Charities &
Purple Heart Homes; sponsored by Piedmont HealthCare
11:00 - 4:45 Main Stage Entertainment sponsored by Wells Fargo
See Page 14 for Lineup
1:30 TO 5:00 Balloon Learning Center (located by second 2nd
Stage) presented by Firefly Balloons
12:00 - 4:30 Wine and Craft Beer Tasting Garden sponsored by
Wine Maestro Downtown Statesville
2:00 3:00 Pilots Meet & Greet in Launch Field
4:00 -- 5:30 Launch Window Mass Ascension; Hot Air Balloons
Fly Out*
6:00 Gates Close ~ Thank you for joining us! 363 days until
2016 Carolina BalloonFest 43!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

*Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled to launch twice daily; early morning &
late afternoon. All ballooning activities including inflatables, static displays,
tethered rides and balloon flights are weather dependent. The decision to
page
inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the scheduled ballooning
activity by the Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-In-Command.

* The Flight Director, Safety Officer and Pilots-in-Command may change schedule time or cancel due
to weather or safety concerns.

13

presented by
Wells Fargo

FRIDAY
4:00 - 5:15 Covering Carolina
5:45 - 7:15 Lockdown
kd
7:45 - 8:30 Albannach

SATURDAY
10:00 - 11:00 Jim Reid and the Illustrious Jay Birds
11:30 - 12:15 Albannach
12:45 - 1:45 Covering Carolina
2:15 - 3:30 Part -Time Blues Band
4:00 - 5:30 Lockdown
6:00 - 6:45 Albannach
7:15 - 8:45 Simplified
with the Midwood Horns

SUNDAY
11:00 -12:15 Mel Jones & His Bag o Bones
12:45 - 1:30 Abe Reid and The Spikedrivers
2:00 - 2:45 Albannach
3:15 - 4:45 The Extraordinaires

Two Sweet
Jeff Sweet

PILOT:

page

14

presented by
Goodwill Industries

SATURDAY
11:00 -12:00 Tin Can Alley
12:15 - 1:15 Jim Reid
1:30 - 2:30 Dee Lee and Lee Troutman
3:30 - 4:30 Tin Can Alley

SUNDAY
12:00 - 1:00 Dee Lee and Lee Troutman
1:30 - 2:30 Shoemaker & Estep
2:45 - 3:45 Face the Music
4:00 - until Mel Jones & His Bag o Bones

presented
p
resented
by AlarmSouth

SATURDAY
12:00 Mr Marvels Magic Show
1:00 The Interactive Theatre of Jef
2:00 Mr Marvels Magic Show
3:00 The Interactive Theatre of Jef
4:00 Mr Marvels Magic Show

SUNDAY
12:00 Mr Marvels Magic Show
1:30 Mr Marvels Magic Show
3:30 Mr Marvels Magic Show

page

15

Artisan Village
& Marketplace
ARTISAN VILLAGE

Eagle Wings
PILOT: Robert Sarrat

Blue Creations
Carvings Canes and Thangs
ngs
The Doll Cupboard
Acts Mission
Tracys Jewelers
Lynch Family Artisans
Formerly McFudge
Glass Rhapsody
G
K.A. Native Arts
K
Walkabout Hats
W
Montgolfier Balloon Gifts / Alpha Promotions
M
Face Painting by Donnie
F
Amazing Hand Made Dresses Martha Crow /
A
MBC Custom
M
Pams Crafts
P
LLotek Body Art
Master Craft
M
Taste Buds Popcorn at the Lake
Ta
Runway 45
R
New Creation Leathercraft
N
Sports And More
Sp
Kira - Michael Gems
Ki
Junes Etc.
Ju
Ga
Gallery 27

MARKETPLACE
MA
Ba Fitters
Bath
Joyce Factory Direct
Energy Conservation Solutions
M & C Distributors LLC
Mr. Rodgers Windows

Your Leading news source

in Iredell County
proudly sponsors the 42nd annual

Carolina Home Remodeling

Gutter Dome Mid Atlantic
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Elite Water Systems
John Casablancas Model Agency
State Farm Andrew Whitaker
PNC Bank
Hendrick Fiat of Concord
Bath Planet
Passanantes Home Food Service
Jerky Station

SPONSORS
Wells Fargo
AlarmSouth
The Destination Magazine
Yadkin Bank
Black Automotive
Piedmont HealthCare
Campers Inn
Thorlo
Action Specialties
Davis Regional Medical
Goodwill Industries
Randy Marion
Wicked Balloon The Broadway Musical
FireFly Balloons
Ft Dobbs Museum
Rescue Ranch (Country Boy Landscaping)

Flor De America Cigar

LASIK Vision Institute

WIN E &
CRAFT
BE ER
SPONSORED BY:

EAT
STREET

Brusters Real Ice Cream

Crispin Kettle Korn
Hooters
On the Fry Concessions
Party in a Pita
Snack Wagon
Snowie
Steak Boys
Steeles Concessions
Streetdogs Mobile Kitchen
Tropical Island Concessions
Whats Shaken Concessions
Southern Chicken
page
Shrimp & Fish Fry

17

Calypso
Ed McDaniel

PILOT:

page

18

Randy Marion
Raymer Oil Company
Firefly Balloons
Smith Phillips Building Supply
Comfort Inn
Thorlo
Davis Regional Medical Center
Country Boy Landscaping
Courtyard by Marriott/Hampton Inn
Lake Norman Pool & Spa
Goodwill Industries
Mitchell Community College
R.H. Barringer Distributing Company
Bojangles Famous Chicken n Biscuits
United Federal Credit Union
Bud Light
Pepsi
Campers Inn
Piedmont Ice
WSIC 100.7FM 1400AM TV21.2
The Destination Magazine
Statesville Record & Landmark
Our State Magazine
Iredell & Hickory Living Magazines
2
220 Caf
JDs Market & Deli
Dianes Court Street Caf
Uncle Cs Barbeque
SkyClypse Media

Military Appreciation Day

Fan Appreciation Day

Balloon

Learning Center
Wicked
PILOT: Stan Hess

Meet &
Greet
This is an open and optional activity for participating
balloonists that opt to come out to the field, set up
their basket within the crowd area and talk about
Hot Air Ballooning to our festival guests.

page

19