Balloon race will have lots for children

To get there, take U.S. 127 (Hustonville Road) south past the Wal-mart SuperCenter. Turn left at the second road past the Wal-mart stoplight. The route will be marked.

Airport Road turns left off this road just past Pack's Nursery. The entrance to the balloon race is just to the right of a gray metal building. Do not use the main airport entrance. It is reserved for the balloonists. Organizers suggest bringing lawn chairs.

By JENNY WATKINS

Staff Writer

As if the sight of nearly 40 big brightly colored balloons rising into the clouds wasn't enough to make the heart of a child race with excitement, this year, the Peoples Bank/Hometown Radio Network Hot Air Balloon Race will offer attractions especially for kids.

"We're going to have a giant 22 by 40 foot inflatable slide, the 'quarter-back attack' football toss, a moon walk, and 'pop-a-shot' basketball," said coordinator Robert Wagner of WRNZ radio.

Wagner laughed when he realized that, like the balloons, all of the kids' attractions are inflatable, something of a coincidence. He says he's sure some adults will even want to take a ride down the enormous slide.

The race will begin anywhere between 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, weather permitting. Sunday evening will be the make-up date if wind speed, precipitation and the many other weather conditions which must be just right for ballooning do not cooperate for the preferred Friday take-off.

"The sport of ballooning is always a long shot with the weather," said Wagner, "it's an incredible sight to see."

To keep chaos to a minimum, coordinators ask that those attending the event allow time for chase crews to exit before pulling out of the parking lot. Wagner said that if everyone but the chase crews could stay and enjoy the attractions for an extra 10 minutes, traffic would flow much more smoothly.

Six bands are scheduled to serenade balloonists and spectators. Band who will perform at the event are: San Giorgio of Ragusa, Sicily; Circle City Sidewalk Stompers of Indianapolis, Ind.; Olde Towne Brass of Huntsville, Ala.; Band of the Air Force Reserve, Bagpipes, of Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.; Main Street Brass, of Cynthiana; and Top Brass of Louisville.