STAY GROUNDED, CHASE A BALLOON
This looks like such a fun and amazing opportunity for families to participate in. Now that the kids are back in school and you are no doubtedly spending less time with your kids, what better way to regroup as a family than heading to Callaway Gardens to work together as crew during Callaway Gardens’ 14th annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival?
Callaway Gardens has long been one of my family’s favorite local stay-cation destinations. There is so much to do between the gardens, swimming, hiking, TreeTop Adventure, Birds of Prey Show, and more. During our most recent visit, the kids and I had a blast on Aqua Island.
Here are a few photos from our trip to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival a few years ago.
Become a part of Callaway Gardens’ 14th annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival, August 31-September 3, 2012, by joining a chase crew. Chase crews follow balloons in flight and recover them once they’ve landed. It’s a terrific way to get involved with your community and experience ballooning first hand.
Crews assist pilots with inflating, launching, “chasing” and packing the balloons.
A good pair of gloves and a little time are all that are needed. In return, crew members learn about ballooning and have access to the balloon festival and all the great activities and attractions at Callaway Gardens.
There is a Balloon Glow on Friday, August 31, with setup beginning around 7 p.m. The launches are Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2, between 6:30 a.m. EDT and 7:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Crew volunteers should be available at these times.
Balloons fly wherever the wind blows and usually travel five to seven miles before landing. Chase crews maintain radio contact with a balloon pilot. Once the balloon has landed, the crew assists with retrieving a balloon and its passengers and escorting them back to Callaway Gardens.
Approximately 150 volunteer chase crew members are needed. Crew members must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and be able to volunteer at the Balloon Glow on Friday night and for both flights on Saturday and Sunday. Each balloon needs a four or five-member crew.
If you are interested in becoming a chase crew member or if you have questions about the event, please contact Andy Brown, Callaway Gardens’ recreation director, at 706-663-5043 or at abrown@callawaygardens.com.
The Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival will be an exciting time and a great way help make this event safe for members of our community and successful for the thousands of visitors who will be in town to enjoy Labor Day weekend.
