Hot air heaven

A large group of local special-needs youngsters and adults got the chance to go up in a hot air balloon during a wind-delayed event held Thursday at the Van Wert County Regional Airport. The event was part of the Hot Air Festival that officially begins today at the airport and Van Wert County Fairgrounds (click here to access more information on the event’s website). Above, a balloonist looks down from his gondola, while a passenger (below) waves to those watching from the ground. (photos by Stuart Jewett for the Van Wert independent)