Ford hot air balloon arrives in Hot Springs

The seven-story tall custom-designed Ford hot air balloon will visit to Hot Springs today and Saturday.

Sponsored by Riser Ford Lincoln, the Hot Springs stop is part of a three-year program that has taken the balloon across the United States and Mexico to hundreds of fairs, festivals, sporting events and hot air balloon festivals, such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta every year in October, a news release said.

Select Ford dealerships can also host the balloon in their hometown for promotional events.

In each town, a local school is always selected as one of the stops; this morning, the pilot and crew of the Ford balloon will visit Lakeside Primary and present an educational program about hot air ballooning. Students will have the opportunity to watch the inflation and see the balloon up close. There is no cost to the school or dealership for the educational program. It is an interactive learning experience for the students designed to spark interest in ballooning or aviation in general, the release said.

At most of the cities visited by the balloon, tethered rides are offered for a small fee, and all of the money collected is donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Riser Ford Lincoln is offering an opportunity for someone to win a ride in the Ford balloon by registering on its Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/RiserAuto/. Call Riser Ford Lincoln at 525-0800 for more information.

The Ford balloon is based in Branson, Mo., and operated by Branson Balloon. Commercial hot air balloon pilot Rodney Williams has been flying balloons more than 26 years with more than 2000 hours of flight time and a perfect safety record, the release said.

Visit http://www.fordballoon.com for more information.