Hot air balloons land on the Carson Valley Middle School track field as part of the Hot Air for Hope School Outreach program where students learned the mechanics of hot air balloons.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
It’s common to see a hot air balloon hovering over the Carson Valley, what’s not common is several at once, unless you’re in Reno. But balloon enthusiasts don’t have to wait until September or travel because balloons will launch from Lampe Park during the Hot Air for Hope Festival May 19-21.
Organized by a group of local balloonist, the festival benefits the Center for Hope & Healing who are celebrating 10 years of providing grief support and healing in Douglas County and Rural Nevada.
As part of the festival, the Hot Air for Hope School Outreach program was launched in April and several schools experienced some hot air lessons.
“It was really cool to witness,” said Carson Valley Middle School Vice Principal Sarah Sparhawk during a balloon launch Thursday. “Some of these kids might not have the opportunity to be this close to a balloon, so it was a really neat experience for them.”
Balloonist Tracy Nelson also known as Professor B Loon said the outreach program is to educate and spread awareness about balloons and to encourage future pilots.
“There’s a whole science behind them and it’s a great STEAM lesson to learn how they work,” she said.
Professor B Loon and local pilots presented flight demonstrations, fired off the burner, gave a tour of the passenger basket and explained the mechanics of a hot air balloon at schools across Douglas County.
“We want to inspire students to become pilots,” said Professor B Loon. “Pilots believe it is their responsibility to educate a new generation of pilots and they want to spread and share their passion for flying.”
Professor B Loon said the event is all about spreading awareness both through ballooning and the nonprofit it is benefiting.
“Balloons are popular in the Carson Valley, and this gives the community an opportunity to see them up close,” said Professor B Loon. “There are so many ways to get involved from becoming a pilot, crew help and people to help with events like this. We want people to get involved, these pilots and balloonist are incredibly generous people and it’s wonderful to be a part of.”
Hot Air for Hope Festival Schedule of Events
Opening Day
May 19 at Lampe Park.
5 a.m. park opens.
6 a.m. National Anthem & Flag Balloons Launch.
6:15 a.m. Balloons begin to launch. Passengers including media, Veterans and First Responders.
Balloon Glow
May 19 at Minden Park.
8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Balloon Glow/ Static Balloon Display.
Balloon launch and Music & Vendor Festival
May 20 at Lampe Park.
Balloon Launch 5 a.m.
Music & Vendor Festival 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organized by the Cultural arts Foundation of the music and vendor festival includes pancake breakfast in the park and food trucks, music, a kid zone, painting demonstrations, and performances from Douglas High School, NW Martial Arts students, Aerial Dance and more. Visit https://www.hotairforhope.com/ for a full list of events and times.
Balloon Launch
May 21 at Lampe Park.
5 a.m. park opens.
6 a.m. National Anthem & Flag Balloons Launch.
6:15 a.m. balloons launch
