06/13/2025
✨Pilot Coordinator Introduction ✨
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Returning for the 3rd year, we have our Pilot Coordinator! Helping bring talented and experienced pilots to our growing event! Read below for her hello, and to get the 411 on FAQ’s!🤩
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Hello Everyone my name is Melanee and I am the Balloon Meister or Pilot Coordinator. It’s my job to organize and bring the hot air balloons and pilots to Ceres to fly for your event. I would like to help answer some commonly ask questions and allow you to ask me anything before this weekend’s event.
If you see me and my service dog Blu on the field please feel free to say hello we would love to talk to you about balloons, the local hot air balloon club, teen balloon camp and many other things but also keep in mind we are busy making sure the event is fun and safe for everyone. 🐕🦺
#1) Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately no, pets are not allowed at this event. Now I know you will see Blu with me and wonder how can this lady tell me I cannot have my dog on the field when she clearly has one with her. First Blu is a certified diabetic alert dog. He doesnt go far from me but he has always been around balloons for a long time. With the loud sounds of the burners, fans, and unexpected noises at any time this can be scary to dogs not used to them. For the safety of everyone attending, we please ask that you leave your furry friends at home. 🚫🐶
#2) Can I bring my drone?
No, it is against FAA regulations to fly a drone in the same air space as a hot air balloon without prior consent from the pilots. Leave them at home, failure to do so can result in confiscation or citations.
#3) Can I smoke?
No there is NO SMOKING this includes vapes - we are using propane gas on the field which is highly flammable. There can be no smoking around the area where we are inflating balloons for the safety of you as a spectator, the balloons, the pilots and their crews and volunteers.🚭
#4) Why do they launch so early?
Temps in the early morning hours are the most favorable for balloon flights. Winds are also the most calm, both of these combinations make prime flight conditions for hot air balloons. Arrive with plenty of time to park and get situated.⏰
#5) Can I ride in one?
We will be offering tethered rides during the event (weather permitting of course) but the balloons that launch and fly away are not available for flights, those are usually reserved for sponsors and city VIPs.
#6) We came last year and the balloons didnt launch?
This sometimes does happen, mother nature is in charge of everything balloon related. We are at the mercy of her, wind conditions must be right to allow the balloons to launch safely for pilots, equipment, passengers, crew and spectators. If she doesnt want balloons to fly there is nothing we can do. 🌬️
#7) Can I bring a blanket or a chair?
Yes you are allowed to bring blankets, chairs, etc to sit on the grass. Balloonist encourage you to get up close and personal as they are preparing for launch and getting ready to set up their balloons. You may even get asked to help. All we ask is that you do pay attention to your surroundings, you may be asked to shift where you are sitting, you may be asked to moved and when vehicles are leaving the launch field to chase the balloons please be courteous and move out of the way.
Have a different question? What can I answer for you. Drop them below!⬇️
