Balloon ‘glow’

The weather made balloon launches a non-starter, but a good crowd came out for the many other activities scheduled this year for the first-ever Van Wert Hot Air Festival, held at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds and Van Wert County Regional Airport. Here, a hot air balloon is inflated during a “balloon glow” held Saturday evening in front of the grandstand (more photos will appear in Wednesday’s independent). (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)