The Balloons Over Vermilion was a great success until the rains came Saturday night. On Friday there was a Splash and Dash and several balloons got up in the air to participate. WITY had the chance to observe Dean Carlton set up and fly his balloon over Lake Vermilion. The process of setting up and inflating the balloons was fascinating. On Saturday there was n amazing drone show. The lighted drones flew in the dark, and they were a big hit. The drones lit up one of the slogans for Balloons Over Vermilion and its sister event, Festival of the Tress, namely “It’s all about the kids,” and the success of this event will fund many a program in this community. The proceeds stay here.
While the Saturday evening storms prevented any air shows, the event still had music and fun. During the weekend there were many other activities from a 5K run to a children’s play area for families.
As always, the event coordinators and their sponsors did a fantastic job. Co-Chairs this year were Dean Carlton and Carly Goodwin. Balloons Over Vermilion is now 10 years old and was created after Balloon Classic fell dormant. Volunteers like Jim Anderson, Pat O’Shaughnessy, Dean Carlton, and Doug Ahrens, among others came together to re-invent the balloon celebration as a community fundraiser. Their motto truly is “It’s all about the kids.”
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