Balloonists plan to float show into town

The Journal staff

Waukesha If weather and wind cooperate, the skies over Waukesha and the countryside will be filled with big, colorful balloons during the Waukesha County Fair this summer.

The first Wisconsin Hot Air Balloon Championship and Balloonfest is being planned by fair organizers and Dave Lowe of Milwaukee, the event director. The fair will run from July 19 to 23.

Lowe said he hoped to have about 25 hot air balloons from throughout the Midwest in the event, which will include five flights sanctioned by the Balloon Federation of America.

Although the fair has had its share of nasty weather over the years, Lowe said July was a favorable time for hot air balloon flights. Assuming the conditions are right, balloonists will be flying shortly after sunrise and a little after sunset on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22. The final race will be Sunday morning, July 23.these dates are right-tf

Competition will be based on the balloonists being able to navigate only by wind, without benefit of steering or propeller. The winner is the one coming closest to a specific target a large nylon "X". Cash prizes totaling $3,000 will be awarded, including $1,000 and a trophy to the state champion.

A highlight will be a "balloon glow" at dusk Friday and Saturday night, when the balloons are inflated and lighted by the soft glow of firing burners.

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