By LINDSAY-JO DOUGLAS
BG Independent News
While people may frequently see hot air balloons in the sky, it is not often that they have the chance to view them up close. On Thursday evening, Pemberville Public Library hosted a hot air balloon demonstration at William Henry Harrison Park.
Attendees watched as Pilot Andy Gross and his crew inflated “Wait for It,” a six-story-high hot air balloon. Once inflated, attendees were invited to view the balloon and basket up close. Gross, who was 8 months old when he took his first hot air balloon ride, also answered questions from the audience.
For those who have ever wondered, hot air balloon pilots typically do not know where they are going to land. The decision is usually made around five to 10 minutes before landing. However, this does not mean the pilot has no control of the balloon. Gross said he participates in “accuracy competitions,” where hot air balloons will begin two to three miles away from a specific location. Pilots then aim for that location, where a target has been placed, and drop a bean bag. The bean bag closest to the center wins the most points, and whoever has the most points at the end of the weeklong competition wins.
Gross will be attending the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Festival on July 18 and 19. While Gross is flying in the sky, tethered balloon rides will be offered by another pilot. For more information on the Rossford Balloon & Firework festival, visit https://www.visitrossfordohio.com/balloon-and-boom.
