RC balloon launch, crew training set

Hot Air Festival news

A radio-controlled hot air balloon is to be launched off the parking lot of the local Pick ‘N’ Save supermarket at approximately 7 p.m. this coming Friday, July 12.

The balloon is smaller than normal, standing approximately 17 feet tall, and is equipped with a scaled-down passenger basket. The balloon and basket were designed and crafted by Wes Dickerson, balloonmeister for this year’s Van Wert Hot Air Festival.

The launch will follow a balloon crew training session, which will begin at 4:30 that afternoon at the Van Wert County Regional Airport for anyone interested in becoming a balloon crew member for this year’s festival.

A second training session will be held this Saturday, July 13, starting at about 7:30 a.m., at the airport.

Those interested can attend either training session. Crew members must be at least 18 years of age.