Coshocton Balloon Festival

June 11-13 was the dates for the 2010 Frontier Power Hot Air Balloon festival (Coshocton Balloon Rally) in Coshocton, Ohio. Known as the longest running hot air balloon festival in Ohio, Coshocton usually brings in pretty tough competition each and every year.

Forecast leading up to the weekend looked uncertain as a warm front looked to bring in lots of moisture and warm temps which would result for a 50% chance of thunderstorms each day. Friday, thunderstorms and high winds grounded the sponsor flight, but a few pilots did attempt to stand the balloons up in high winds.

Saturday morning brought in thunderstorm cells and the threat of higher winds aloft in a very unstable atmosphere. Flight #2 obviously canceled.

Saturday evening brought low winds, great steerage and the first flight of the weekend. Comp Director Jim Birk called a MJDG task with two targets to choose from. Taking off from the field, pilots first climbed out of the field heading north then changed directions back to the southeast at altitude 2000ft. Changing of wind direction and hilly topography made for a challenging flight for most pilots, but 9 pilots were able to catch the correct directions and make throws at one of the two targets. Sean Askren flying the State Farm Insurance balloon took a first place for the weekend.

Sunday's flight canceled due to low clouds and soggy grounds from thunderstorms the night before. Overall, Coshocton weekend was a success.

Photos to come.

Fan Maintenance Day and Flyout

On May 16th NOBPA had its annual Fan Maintenance and Flyout Day in which NOBPA members were able to bring their fans and/or other equipment and service them after a busy last season and a winter long hibernation. A cookout proceeded after working and afterwards a select few pilots braved the windy conditions and flew south out of UBA. Once again, a thank you goes out to Carol Weiner and UBA for the use of the UBA Facilities. 

Pictures taken by Debby Young

Chagrin Balloon Festival

Chagrin Balloon Festival

05/28/10 to 05/30/10

For the start of the 2010 balloon festival and competition we will be reporting from Chagrin Falls, Ohio where the 2010 Chagrin Balloon Festival will be taking place. Location of this event will be at Chagrin Falls High School and will be HACD sanctioned. Posts, results and photos hopefully to follow.