Cheers & Kudos: Thanks to all for help with balloon launch

What another wonderful balloon launch! We were blessed with an absolutely perfect day again this year for the RE/MAX Nevada Day balloon launch before the parade on Saturday. I would like to thank all those that made this possible this year.

First of all, Katie Griggs the balloonmeister for the event as well as the pilot of the RE/MAX balloon, who organized all of the pilots. We had 16 balloons in the air this year. Also, a thank you to the pilots and their crews: Jeff Haliczar, Ken Lehr, Vince and Chris Casey, Ingrid Martell, Orval Choate, Brenda Hungerford, Gene Love, Curt Pengelly, Bill Wells, Tony Rivara, Chuck Reynolds, Pat Irwin, Gayle McCoy, and Gary Michalek.

It would not happen without our sponsors either. They were RE/MAX Southwest Region, Manpower, Talant Athletic Center, Comma Coffee, Carson Nugget, Guild Mortgage Co., Capital Beverages, Comstock Propane, Barefoot Bubbly, as well as individual sponsors Ally Reeves, Jim Jordan, and Linda Lindsey.

The Carrington Company has allowed us the use of their parking lot at the Carson Mall for all 15 years that we have launched, and we appreciate the ability to have our tailgate party there each year after our flights. The Carson Plaza and Events Center did a great job catering the tailgate party for us. It was encouraging this year to see what appeared to be twice as many families and spectators on Carson Street to watch the balloons lift off shortly after 8 a.m., and I am happy to say that we already have four sponsors who have reserved a balloon for next year, Nevada’s 150th birthday!

Thank you for your support and continued sponsorship of this one-of-a-kind balloon event on a special day for Nevadans.

Stephen Lincoln

Carson City