12th annual Chester County Balloon Festival wows audience
NEW GARDEN » The first hot air balloon ride amazed the public when it happened 225 years ago, in France, and the sport continues to amaze as the 12th annual Chester County Balloon Festival floats into New Garden Airport with 20 hot air balloons from across the east coast.
South Coatesville police Chief Kevin Pierce sang the national anthem June 22 as skydiver Steven Loufek brought the American flag onto the runway, trailing it behind him for the 5,000foot jump.
“The flag makes things challenging,” Loufek said. “The winds were stiff at 30 knots at 3,000 feet.”
Loafer was one of three skydivers who opened the festival.
More than 100 food and craft vendors, including Victory Brewing, are on hand for with a variety of food, drinks and activities for the family. Monster truck rides, go-carts, a kite demonstration and a zip line are just some of the activities to keep the kids entertained. Live music was provided through the evening, Adventurous visitors can take ride on one of the lighter-than-air beauties.
In addition to balloons the festival hosted Dan Marcotte and his jet car. The custom built car is powered by a General Electric J-85 engine comes out of a F 5 Freedom fighter jet and reaches speed of 250-300 mph. This is the fourth year Marcotte has been touring with the car which has a thrust of 6,000 pounds. It burns one gallon a second with the after burner on.
“It can go faster than the chute and tire capabilities,” said Marcotte, who wears full safety gear of helmet, fire suit and gloves in the custom-built car. “I used to race cars, so it’s a fun way to stay in the sport.”
By 7 p.m., a few balloonists entertained the crowd with burns from their propane tanks which sit atop the wicker basket and heats the air. The burn produced a “whoop” and a large candle flame.
The wicker baskets are still handmade. Balloonist Bob Sparks of Allentown said wicker is a great material for balloon baskets because they’re lightweight, they float and they absorb impact when the balloon lands. Sparks has more than 6,000 flying balloons worldwide. He noted balloons are coated with a polyethylene coating to keep they air inside longer. A typical balloon may have up to 800 yards of fabric.
During the evening. Air Ventures of Chester County inflated their balloon as the winds began to die to the delight of the crowd.