Flag City BalloonFest
Findlay, OH usa
2010
Preview
Findlay, OH is the site of this weekends competition. The small town in western Ohio has been hosting a very successful event for over a decade now. The event, which has always been free to the public, draws large crowds to Emory Adams Park in downtown Findlay. Event organizer Phil Clinger and his team do great job of promoting an event focused on competition. Much has been done to educate the locals in competitive ballooning and they have taken a true interest in the outcome of the race. Locals have taken pride in knowing that they attract very good pilots come to fly in their hometown event.
Pilots too have taken notice of the good competition in Findlay. The field has been expanded to 35 balloons this year to try to accommodate all the interest, however, the expansion still didn't satisfy a very long waiting list of pilots hoping to get in. A few of those in the field include last week's winning team from Canton, OH; Paul Petrehn, Jeff Barlett, and Janet Lutkus. Longview top five finishers Joe Zvada and Shawn Raya. As well as previous event winners from this year Jeff Pestun and Larry Coan.
Findlay, OH is the site of this weekends competition. The small town in western Ohio has been hosting a very successful event for over a decade now. The event, which has always been free to the public, draws large crowds to Emory Adams Park in downtown Findlay. Event organizer Phil Clinger and his team do great job of promoting an event focused on competition. Much has been done to educate the locals in competitive ballooning and they have taken a true interest in the outcome of the race. Locals have taken pride in knowing that they attract very good pilots come to fly in their hometown event.
Pilots too have taken notice of the good competition in Findlay. The field has been expanded to 35 balloons this year to try to accommodate all the interest, however, the expansion still didn't satisfy a very long waiting list of pilots hoping to get in. A few of those in the field include last week's winning team from Canton, OH; Paul Petrehn, Jeff Barlett, and Janet Lutkus. Longview top five finishers Joe Zvada and Shawn Raya. As well as previous event winners from this year Jeff Pestun and Larry Coan.
Friday AM
Several of the pilots competing this weekend in the Flag City BalloonFest flew this morning in Findlay, OH for a media flight. Early morning fog gave way to a beautiful morning. Below are some pictures.
Several of the pilots competing this weekend in the Flag City BalloonFest flew this morning in Findlay, OH for a media flight. Early morning fog gave way to a beautiful morning. Below are some pictures.
Friday PM
Pilots flew a hare and hound task tonight that will not be included in the overall points for the weekend. A very large crowd was on hand for the launch and then stayed around for the glow. Below are a few pictures.
Pilots flew a hare and hound task tonight that will not be included in the overall points for the weekend. A very large crowd was on hand for the launch and then stayed around for the glow. Below are a few pictures.
Saturday AM
Brisk winds and nearby rain and storms cancelled this mornings flight in Findlay. The next flight opportunity will be Saturday evening.
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Brisk winds and nearby rain and storms cancelled this mornings flight in Findlay. The next flight opportunity will be Saturday evening.
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Saturday PM
A line of rain and thunderstorms moved through western Ohio quickly Saturday afternoon and was followed by good flying conditions. Director Phil Clinger called a one part fly-in which will be included in the overall scores for the weekend. Pilots also had the chance to grab a $1000 pole and throw a role of toilet paper in a toilet on the field for $100. Lots of steerage led to some close scores including Dawn McKenzie's winning throw of .10m.
As is the tradition in Findlay, Saturday post-flight festivities are held at a local tiki bar. The little slice of island heaven featured live music, sand, seafood, dune buggy rides, and waterfront views. Look for scores and pictures here soon.
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A line of rain and thunderstorms moved through western Ohio quickly Saturday afternoon and was followed by good flying conditions. Director Phil Clinger called a one part fly-in which will be included in the overall scores for the weekend. Pilots also had the chance to grab a $1000 pole and throw a role of toilet paper in a toilet on the field for $100. Lots of steerage led to some close scores including Dawn McKenzie's winning throw of .10m.
As is the tradition in Findlay, Saturday post-flight festivities are held at a local tiki bar. The little slice of island heaven featured live music, sand, seafood, dune buggy rides, and waterfront views. Look for scores and pictures here soon.
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Sunday AM
Pilots were met with low clouds and fog when they woke this morning in Findlay. Director Phil Clinger took the optimistic approach and put the field on hold hoping the fog would lift. However, at 8am it became clear that the visibility would not improve.
The cancellation means that last nights scores are final and Dawn McKenzie is the overall winner. Rob Mihaly came in second, and Ted Gauthier third. Congratulations to all!
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Pilots were met with low clouds and fog when they woke this morning in Findlay. Director Phil Clinger took the optimistic approach and put the field on hold hoping the fog would lift. However, at 8am it became clear that the visibility would not improve.
The cancellation means that last nights scores are final and Dawn McKenzie is the overall winner. Rob Mihaly came in second, and Ted Gauthier third. Congratulations to all!
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