2013 balloon tab

4 • Wednesday, July 24, 2013

NATIONAL BALLON CLASSIC STAFF

Staci Scheurenbrand, executive directorBecky Kakac, secretaryOffices at National Balloon Museum, 1601 N.

Jefferson Way, Indianola515-961-8415www.nationalballoonclassic.comADMISSION

The National Balloon Classic admission prices for2013 are:

» Mornings are free admission» $3 for adults or $10 per car load (evenings)» Kids 12 and under are free» Camping at field, $5 per night (does not include

admission)» Groups are welcome. Contact 515-961-8415

This section is published by The Record-Heraldand Indianola Tribune, 112 N. Howard St., Indianola,Iowa 50125, 515-961-2511

Publisher: Amy DuncanSr. Account Executive: Cindy NelsonStaff: Susie Kling, Andrea Houghton, Mike

Rolandswww.indianolarecordherald.com

Welcome to the National Balloon Classic! ..................... 5

Schedule of events ............................................................ 6-8

Scout project benefits Classic ....................................... 9-10

2013 balloon queen candidates ................................. 11-12

Weather ................................................................................. 13

Balloon photos ............................................................... 14-18

Difference in balloons........................................................ 19

Build a hot air balloon from the basket up ........... 20-21

Meet the bands ............................................................. 22-23

New leader has roots in Classic ....................................... 24

Various events to fill air..................................................... 25

Specialty balloons ............................................................... 26

Exciting additions for 2013 Balloon Classic .................. 26

National Balloon Classic Hall of Fame........................... 27

National Balloon Classic Foundation............................. 27

National Balloon Classic sponsors................................... 28

Photography tips................................................................. 29

2014 planning in the works.............................................. 30

Table of Contents

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 • 5

‘An Iowa Tradition for Over 40Years!” is the central theme for the2013 National Balloon Classic. For nine action-filled days, Iowa

skies come alive with the magicalbeauty of hot air balloons sailingsilently through the air and wowingspectators below.

As the new executive director, Ihave high expectations to grow anddevelop the Classic to its full potential,while staying true to its established,well-respected roots. Nothingcompares to the excitement of MassAscension as dozens of balloons —practically on top of one another —secure their place on the launch fieldand ready themselves to take flight.

After dark, these colossal beautiesre-inflate and light up the nightlandscape during the much-anticipatedNite Glow Extravaganza.

You don’t want to miss the newsights, sounds and tastes for 2013.

This year we welcome vendors withofferings from traditional favorites tothe not-so-traditional. (Sweet corn icecream anyone?)

We are very excited about ourentertainment line-up, which includesoutstanding live bands each night, andjust for the kids, there is an all newKids Land with inflatables,face-painting, carnival games andmore. And of course, the star of theshow … the skilled pilots who fly themany brilliant balloons includingspecial shapes and other interestingdesigns.

For me, the National Balloon Classichas great sentimental value. As a kidrunning around Indianola, chasingballoons and meeting pilots, to an adultworking side-by-side with the finestgroup of balloon enthusiasts, sponsors,pilots, volunteers and supporters, I amboth humbled and awestruck to be partof the Classic, which has been acherished and successful event in ourcommunity for more than 40 years.

Come join the fun!

Welcome to the National Balloon Classic! Staci Scheurenbrand

Executive Director, National Balloon Classic

Hot air balloons float above the National Balloon Classic field in Indianola during last

year’s event. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD


Friday, July 265:30 p.m.: Brother Trucker, Classic Stage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight — Tip theOuthouse sponsored by Jim’s Johns7 p.m.: 5K Road Race, Simpson College7:30 p.m.: Brother Trucker, Classic StageDusk: Nite - Glow Extravaganza

Schedule of events

Saturday, July 276:30 a.m.: Balloon flight9: a.m.–4 p.m.: Open Air Market onIndianola Square11 a.m.: A Wacky Classic Parade onIndianola Square5:30 p.m.: BS & the liars, Classic Stage6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies6:30 p.m.: Open the Skies MassAscension Balloon Flight7:30 p.m.: BS & the liars, Classic Stage9:30 p.m.: (dark) Fireworks followed byBS & the liars

A pair of hot air balloons float above

rural Indianola during a morning flight

of the 2012 National Balloon Classic.

MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD

A crew member is dwarfed by the inflating envelope of a hot air balloon last year at the

National Balloon Classic in Indianola. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD


Sunday, July 286:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight12:30–3 p.m.: National Balloon MuseumHall of Fame induction5 p.m.: Sonny Humbucker Band, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: Sonny Humbucker Band,Classic Stage

Monday, July 296:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight5:30 p.m.: Tony Bohnenkamp, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: Tony Bohnenkamp, ClassicStage

Tuesday, July 306:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight5:30 p.m.: Sydney Lett Band, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: Sydney Lett Band

Wednesday, July 316:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight5:15 p.m.: Warren County Night —Warren County talent, Classic Stagefollowed by Past Vertical, Classic Stage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: Past Vertical, Classic StageDusk: Fire in the Sky — Midwest LargestNite-Glow Extravaganza

Schedule of events

Balloons light up the National Balloon Classic field during the night glow last year.



Thursday, Aug. 16:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight5:30 p.m.: The Rumley Brothers, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: The Rumley Brothers, ClassicStageDusk: Nite-Glow Extravaganza

Friday, Aug. 26:30 a.m.: Competition balloon flight5:30 p.m.: The James Biehn Band, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: The James Biehn Band, ClassicStage

Saturday, Aug. 36:30 a.m.: Balloon flight9 a.m.: National Balloon Classic 5K/10KCross Country Run, National BalloonClassic Field. Register at: https://secure.getmeregistered.com4:30–9:30 p.m.: Iowa Wine Evening5:30 p.m.: The Bob Pace Band, ClassicStage6:30 p.m.: Balloon flight7:30 p.m.: The Bob Pace Band, ClassicStage9:30 p.m.: (dark) Fantastic FireworksClassic Stage

Schedule of events

Balloon pilot Randy Stone gets some help from his crew to reach a better launch position

from a yard east of Indianola during an evening flight at the National Balloon Classic in

2012. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD


For some, summer break meansfamily vacations and relaxation.But for one teenager, summer

means working tirelessly to finish hisproject of restoring history.

Fourteen-year-old Scott Meadowshas been working on his Eagle Scoutproject, collecting flags for theNational Balloon Classic sinceJanuary. The flags will fly at theBalloon Classic field east of Indianoladuring the event.

“When I first joined Boy Scouts,one of the boys who aged out had amom who still came,” Meadows said.

The mom provided Meadows withthis idea, and when it came time forhim to plan his Eagle Scout project, heknew it was what he wanted to do.

“The main exhausting part wasfiguring out the paperwork,”Meadows said.

Filing the paperwork to propose hisproject was an ongoing process

because everything inthe wording had to beperfect. Once his projectwas accepted, Meadowsthen contacted the stategovernors asking fortheir flags. But he didn’tget what he wanted tohear.

“The governors didn’treally send me many

flags,” Meadows. “I only got about 10flags.”

Only a quarter of the governorseven responded, and those who didrespond told Meadows it wasn’tpossible. For some people, that mighthave been a dead end, but Meadowswas persistent.

“I sent an email to each of theBalloon Classic board members and toother balloon clubs throughoutAmerica,” Meadows said. “From oneof the balloon clubs, a lady namedDawn Chase contacted me andforwarded my email to the messageboard that has over 2,000 members

worldwide.”His tenacity paid off, and within

48 hours, Meadows had promises andmoney for the flags through Chaseherself, and many of her contacts.

“It was sort of by luck that I got(the email),” Chase said.

Chase was a Gold Award Girl Scoutand her boyfriend was an Eagle Scout,which made her want to help

Meadows.“I had promises for all 50 state

flags, each of the Americanterritories, each of the military flags,the Yellow Ribbon flag and then aSupport Our Troops flag,” he said.

The entire budget for his EagleScout project is around $2,600, a lot of

By Steffi Lee

Special to The Record-Herald

Scott

Meadows

Flags to fly thanks to Eagle Scout project

See EAGLE SCOUT, Page 10


which was covered by the donations. Itwas exciting and relieving.

“I had kind of half wondered if myproject had failed,” Meadows said.“Now all of a sudden, I have them all.”

A former Eagle Scout himself, TomComfort, secretary of the NationalBalloon Classic, has been a drivingforce in Meadow’s project.

“We think it’s a great opportunity,”Comfort said. “We’re really happy towork with him as an individual. It’s atremendous opportunity for him and agreat benefit for us.”

It’s the second Eagle Scout projectthat has involved the National BalloonClassic. Now, with around 30 state flagsdeteriorating, Comfort knows howimportant it is to restore and refurbishthe flags and flag poles.

“And with the success he’s had, nowwe had to get 30 more flag poles,”Comfort said.

Pam Meadows, Scott’s mother, hasstood alongside him from the verybeginning of this project. From showinghim how to create a mail merge

document on the computer to drivinghim for supplies, she’s been his rock.

“The parents’ role is to besupportive, but not to do any of thework,” she said.

She said the entire family wasdisappointed when Meadows receivedrejection letters.

“But Scott had a plan to try to drumup more flags,” she said. “He’s notsupposed to financially fund the project,so it was exciting that one of the emailsgot to a very generous person.”

The faith and support from theballooning community exceeded anyexpectations, she said. Coming from afamily passionate about the NationalBalloon Classic, this project has reallylet Meadows focus on both his familyroots, preserving history andcommunity service.

“This is something that when (he)has kids, (he’ll) be able to come seethese flags,” she said. “It’s also a gift forthe community.”

Meadows said he hopes peopleoutside of Indianola see these flags andsee the importance in them at theBalloon Classic. For him, he alreadyknows how he’ll feel.

“I’ll be really happy that it’ll all befinished.”

EAGLE SCOUTContinued from Page 9SP

BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON

A full moon adds its glow to a hot air balloon during the night glow last year at the

National Balloon Classic field in Indianola. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD


2013 Balloon Classic queen candidatesMORGAN HULICK

Age: 17Parents: Cara and Tim HulickHigh school attended: IndianolaSchool and community involvement:

Member of National Honor Society; varsityfootball, boys’ basketballand competition cheer-leader; DECA member; MuAlpha Theta member;tutor to other IHS students Future plans for work

or college: Admitted toIowa State University forfall 2014, College of De-signWhy do you want to be

a National Balloon

Classic queen? The Balloon Classic is oneof the special things that Indianola isknown for and I’m proud to have grownup here. I feel that I am a good role modelas well as a good representative of theyoung ladies in our community. I would beproud to serve in this role.

TAYLOR ELBERT

Age: 17Parents: Chad and Kristie ElbertHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement:

Six years of show choir, three years ofcheerleading, 13 years ofGirl Scouts, 13 years ofdance, four years of May-ors Youth Council, NHS,STAT Youth GroupFuture plans for work or

college: I plan on goingto college and studying tobe a doctor.Why do you want to be

a National Balloon Clas-

sic queen? I want to beballoon queen because it is a great way toget involved with the community and I amso excited to be involved with showcasingour town to others by being a part of theBalloon Classic.

MEREDITH DINSMORE

Age: 17Parents: Joe and Crystal DinsmoreHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement:

Impulse dance team and Mayors Youth Coun-cilFuture plans for work or

college: I plan to go to col-lege next fall after I graduate.I plan on attending ISU andgetting my degree in chemicalengineering.Why do you want to be a

National Balloon Classic

queen? I want to be NationalBalloon Classic queen becausethe balloons are one of my

favorite parts of Indianola. My family and Ihave always loved going to the balloons andbeing part of them ever since we moved here.I always remember walking around and see-ing the queen and wanting to be her some-day and have that opportunity.

Morgan

Hulick

Taylor

Elbert

Meredith

Dinsmore

ALEXA MOON

Age: 15Parents: Scott and Michelle MoonHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement: Im-pulse dance team, Service Corps, Science Club,

4-H, St. Thomas Aquinas Teens,high school cheerleading, All-Star cheerleading, math tutoringand All-Star cheer coach.Future plans for work or

college: Attend veterinaryschool at Purdue University andthen earn a doctorate degree inmarine biology at Virginia In-stitute of Marine Science.Why do you want to be a

National Balloon Classic queen? I would liketo be the National Balloon Classic queen torepresent our supportive community and itsinvolvement with the Balloon Classic. I wouldalso spend my time as National Balloon Classicqueen helping others enjoy the hot air balloonsand all of the week’s activities.

Alexa Moon


AUBRI WESTLAKE

Age: 18Parents: Doug and Anita WestlakeHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement: In school I

participated on the dance team, cheersquad, tennis and choir. I am currentlypresident of my 4-H Club and have beeninvolved for nine years. I really enjoygiving back to the community and havebeen involved in various walks, plantingand maintaining the Indianola commu-nity flower garden, Linus project, volley-ball with Good Samaritan residents,Jeans for Teens, ICYF and Meals for theHeartland.Future plans for work or college: I

plan on attending Iowa State University in the fall andmajoring in business.Why do you want to be a National Balloon Classic

queen? I would like to be balloon queen because I havebeen involved with the balloons all my life and alwayslooked up to the balloon queen as a role model. Itwould be a great experience to give back to the com-munity and be a role model for other girls.

KATELYN REDING

Age: 17Parents: Patrick and Kim RedingHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement: Varsity foot-

ball cheerleading, high school competi-tion cheer squad, varsity Side OneShow Choir, varsity high school girls’track, member of National HonorSociety, Circle of Friends, Mu AlphaTheta, Redeemer Lutheran Church,helper for Special Olympics and PeerP.E. and volunteer camp counselor forCamp JubileeFuture plans for work or college:

Attend the University of Iowa andmajor in nursing.Why do you want to be a National

Balloon Classic queen? Growing up in Indianola Ihave always loved attending the National Balloon Clas-sic. After having the opportunity to ride in a hot airballoon, I have been fascinated with all the activities atthis event. I know how important the Balloon Classic isto our community and it would be an honor for me torepresent Indianola as a balloon queen and to learnmore about this well-known event.

LEAH KITSIS

Age: 17Parents: David and Raynae KitsisHigh school attended: Indianola School and community involvement: I was a two year member of

high school choir and a member of OPUS Honor Choir,served as a student council representative mysophomore year, attended the Hugh O’Brien YouthLeadership conference as a sophomore, spent a year as awriter for Indianola High School’s newspaper, TheIndian, and will continue throughout my senior year. Forthe past two years I have volunteered at my synagogue,Temple B’nai Jeshurun, during our annual Jewish FoodFair. This year I plan on helping to crew for TeamFlyingKOAT at the National Balloon Classic, and havevolunteered helping vendors at RAGBRAI the year itcame through Indianola.

Future plans for work or college: Although I am undecided and stillsearching for which college I will attend, I plan on going to a four-yearuniversity to study pre-physical therapy. After four years I’ll move on tograduate school in pursuit of my doctorate. Why do you want to be a National Balloon Classic queen?

Growing up in Indianola has truly shaped me into the person I amtoday. It would be an honor to be able to represent not only the townI’ve grown up in, but also an event as special and close to heart as theNational Balloon Classic.

Aubri

Westlake

Leah Kitsis

2013 Balloon Classic queen candidates

Katelyn

Reding


There’s a reason why the NationalBalloon Classic is held in thesame location at the same time

annually. Statistics illustrate windsare less prominent during these twoweeks of the year, making it the besttime to fly.

“It’s just hot and there aren’t a lot ofstorm currents moving through,” saidSteven West of Indianola.

Hot air balloons rise with heat anddescend as it cools, and they need tohave winds of less than 10 miles anhour on the ground, West said. Thismakes what people call the “dog daysof summer” the prime time to fly.

“It just tends to be hot and calm thefirst of August,” he said.

Rain matters to the weatherconditions just as much as the wind.

“No rain within about 75 miles isthe bare minimum,” West said.

For West, his weather experienceswith the Classic originated many

years ago. West started doing weatherfor the National Balloon Classic withhis father in the 1970s.

“(My father) knew that in the ’70s,when (ballooning) was still anevolving sport, people were makingbad decisions,” West said. “He decided

that we could do better. We took it on as a project, neither of us beingmeteorologists, but we essentiallywere self taught.”

In modern day ballooning, theNational Weather Service plays ahuge role in weather preparation forthe National Balloon Classic. It used tobe difficult when the sport firststarted.

“In the 1970s, the National WeatherService didn’t even know what wewanted as far as models, reports orinformation we’ve been looking at,” hesaid. “In the last 40 years, it’s come along way.”

But the Internet and smartphoneage has improved weathercommunication immensely.

“When we started, we had to driveto Des Moines twice a day to theweather bureau to look at theirprinted maps,” he said. “Then we hadto drive them back down.”

An improvement was when peoplerelied on fax machines tocommunicate data from the satellite

receiving system.“Now with the Internet, I can do it

all from my cellphone,” West said.“The amount of information out thereis vastly spread and everybody hasaccess to everything the NationalWeather Service puts out.”

The Classic is safer and Iowans arefar more informed than they werebefore, he said.

Kenny Podrazik, a meteorologist atthe Des Moines Weather ForecastOffice for the National WeatherService, said his office is an asset tothe ballooning community.

“(Balloonists) call in the officeevery now and then looking for flightinformation for when they’re going togo up,” Podrazik said. “We alwaysencourage them to call us back if theyneed anything.”

One unique aspect about how West tracks the local weatherprovides Indianola with moreinformation than what comes from the

Balloonists scour daily weather reportsBy Steffi Lee


A pair of hot air balloons float above rural

Indianola during a 2012 evening flight at

the National Balloon Classic. MICHAEL

ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD

See WEATHER, Page 21


With a Twist

owned by

Grant Pfeifer

of West Des

Moines.

PHOTOS SPECIAL

TO THE RECORD

HERALD

By Steffi Lee

Special to The Record-HeraldDifference in balloons

Heart's

Desire,

owned by

Randy Stone

of Indianola.

Racing Balloons v• Designed for competition

• Tall and slender style

• Concept of the racing balloon first gained attention in Europe

• Shortened response time for the envelope

• Meant for people who desire to go up and down quickly

• Lindstrand Balloons USA has the X-Series — currently more than

55 X-Series balloons being flown throughout the United States

• Smaller volume

• Aerodynamic shape

• More maneuverability

• Responds twice as fast compared to the round, conventional balloon

• Can come in a variety of different sizes

Conventional/Round Balloons y• Designed to float

• Not expected to achieve a maximum descent rate greater than

800 feet per minute


There’s more to the National BalloonClassic than just nine days of color.

It’s a complete showing of aunique art — the art of constructing ahot air balloon.

For many, it all starts from within.“It’s very much a family-involved

sport,” said Lisa Kempner, nationalsales director of Lindstrand Balloons.“It becomes a passion for them and it’ssomething they can share with theirfriends.”

And the passion all starts withbuilding the balloon. There are fourcomponents to a hot air balloon: thebasket, envelope, burner andinstruments. The most common sportballoons are 77,000 cubic feet or 90,000cubic feet. Those balloons typically

hold the pilot and two to three people.It all starts with the man-made

basket. Hot air balloons have evolvedthroughout the years, but the mainmaterial that hasn’t changed is wicker.It’s lightweight, but serves as the bestmaterial for strength, flexibility andrepair.

“If you damage it, you can justweave another section right in,”Kempner said.

Stainless steel frames help maintainthe structure for the wicker for years.Wicker’s strength-to-weight ratio, inaddition to its impact absorbency, arealso ideal for ballooning.

“When you land and the baskettouches down, it will absorb the shockand impact instead of the occupants,”Kempner said.

But that’s not the only significantaspect about the wicker basket.

“From the beginning to the end, (the basket) is one weaver’s creation,”Kempner said.

Hot air balloons are often known forthe colorful fabric and patterneddesigns, often referred to as theenvelope. The envelope is imperativefor the balloon’s airworthiness andstrength. Envelopes are often madewith high-tenacity nylon base fabricsand a polyurethane or silicone coatings.

It’s constructed panel-by-panel.First, you cross seam the panels intovertical segments, also known as gores.These gores are then joined andvertical load tapes are added. One seamin particular is considered to be themost challenging.

“It’s very interesting to get the lastseam up,” said Kempner. “There are900 yards of fabric under one sewingmachine.”

Kempner calls that moment magic.Many seamstresses sew on envelope

parts at the same time, unlike thebasket, which is one person’s work,

which is why it takes longer to finishthe basket than the envelope.

The balloon’s ascending anddescending power comes from theburner. Modern hot air balloons usepropane. Once the pilot opens the fueltanks, propane travels through hoses tothe pilot light. It is ignited and that’swhen you’re ready to inflate theballoon.

Every manufacturer has its ownexclusive burner, she said.

The size of the envelope helpsdetermine the number of burners.Sport balloons commonly have a singleor double burner, while largercommercial ride balloons may havetriple or quad burners.

Another important component in hotair balloons are instruments. Beforeimproved technology, instruments usedto have pyrometer wires that wouldpose risks. Now it’s common to usedigital, wireless instruments.

Build a hot air balloon from the basket up

See ART, Page 21

There’s an art to creating the flying beauties.

By Steffi Lee



“You want to know the temperatureof your fabric,” Kempner said. “Thehotter you’re heating your fabric, thequicker it’s going to wear out. Thehotter it is outside, the hotter you haveto heat the balloon in order to get thesame performance and lift you wouldget on a cooler day.”

Balloons also need a gasolinepowered fan to put cold air into theballoon when preparing to take off.

And just like any other piece of art,cost figures into the design of a balloon.

“Once you decide that this is whatyou want to do, you can find a goodused balloon for around $15,000,”Kempner said. “Brand new, you’reprobably looking at $35,000 to $45,000.”

Like a car, hot air ballooning is aninvestment, Kempner said. Pilots needinsurance for their aircraft, fuel andstorage. It’s also important tounderstand the distinction between acommercial pilot and private pilotwhen buying insurance.

“Once you start taking people for aride and charging them, you’re a

commercial pilot,” Kempner said.“Your insurance costs are higher andthere are other expenses that arerelated to running a business.”

Insurance costs are determinedbased on the number of years the pilothas been flying, the pilot’s flyingrecord, balloon characteristics, numberof pilot-in-command hours andaccidents. The annual average for aprivate pilot begins at around $750.

Propane costs around $1.50 a gallonand an hour flight averages 22 gallons.

The instrument costs around $1,750and burners average $8,000.

Storage fees aren’t alwaysnecessary.

“The neat thing about a hot airballoon is that you can store it in yourgarage,” Kempner said. “Everythingcollapses and breaks down really small.You don’t have to store it in a hangerlike other aircraft.”

Kempner said some peoplesometimes keep everything in a trailer,so they can leave at their convenience.

Beneath the display of color, there’sa lot of work and money that goes intoit. A lot of aspects equate to vehicles orairplanes — from the construction tothe cost — but it’s an aircraft, andevery balloon is unique.

ARTContinued from Page 20

National Weather Service. “We release a weather balloon every

morning at 5, and at 5 in the evening,”West said. “Rely on computers all thatyou want, but actually doing themeasurements yourself is an accurateway to check.”

Pibal — small balloons that measurewind speed and direction — or pilotballoon observation help determinewind specifics.

“When you read weather servicereports for Des Moines, Des Moinesisn’t Indianola,” West said. “That’s whywe do the pibal, so we have readings forIndianola.”

Although the Classic is scheduledaround the same time every year,people still always need to observesafety precautions. West said it isunlikely balloons will fly every morningand evening.

“You can have a thunderstorm that’sa significant distance away and havewind that’s blowing out ahead of thethunderstorm, or out away from thethunderstorm,” he said. “This can catch

people unaware or unprepared becauseit’s unexpected.”

Sometimes, a complete lack of windcan be dangerous.

“In Iowa, if you get stuck over acornfield there is absolutely no wind tomove you, or if you get stuck overwater, you can have a problem,” he said.

Having too many balloonscongregated in one area and a lack ofwind results in congestion problems.And a complete lack of wind isn’t theonly dangerous factor when it comes tolanding. You first need the appropriateamount of landing space. That’s why theClassic is located in Indianola.

“You can’t have them all come downat the same place and same time,” Westsaid. “You want them spread out.Indianola is a very nice location to flybecause if you go to northern Iowa forexample, there isn’t a lot of landingspace. In southern Iowa, there is a lot ofopen pasture land. It’s not completelywooded and not completely cornfields.”

This year marks the 20thanniversary of the ’93 floods. West sayscompared to what happened that year,he’s optimistic about this year’s Classic.

“Certainly I can’t tell what the windsare three weeks from now, but I think itlooks very good,” he said.

WEATHERContinued from Page 13


Sonny Humbucker Band

July 28, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Sonny Humbucker Band of DesMoines specializes in retooling selectsongs by 1960s British Invasion bandssuch as the Who, the Kinks, Badfingerand the Beatles. The band performed atPickard Park last year and at SimpsonCollege’s 150th celebration in 2010.

The band members also play originaltunes as well as covers of songs bypopular alternative and indie rockgroups, and they regularly performacoustic shows.

Tony Bohnenkamp

July 29, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Tony Bohnenkamp is a Des Moinesmusician who has been active in themusic industry for more than 20 years.He is the owner of a recording studio, awell-known dueling pianist, thedrummer for the Nadas, the singer for

Lunchbox and a composer. He hasperformed at the Blue Moon Piano Bar,Jordan Creek Town Center, Diamond JoCasino in Dubuque and will perform atthe Iowa State Fair.

Sydney Lett Band

July 30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Sydney Lett is a young country musicsinger and guitarist from Des Moines.She performs songs by artists MirandaLambert and JoDee Messina.

Sydney has performed “Count theStars,” a song written for Iowa soldiersand their families, at several centralIowa send-off ceremonies for militarytroops heading overseas and atcommunity events. She has shared thestage with Jason Brown and Wisconsincountry band of the year, the BackHome Boys. Lett has also shared thestage with country artists includingLeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, TrailerChoir, Gloriana, Joe Nichols, the LostTrailers and Diamond Rio.

The Rumley Brothers

Aug. 1, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Rumley Brothers are a countryrock band from Iowa. Members arefrom Leon, Osceola and Humeston, and

Meet the bands

See BANDS, Page 23

Sydney Lett performs July 30 on the Classic

Stage. PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE RECORD HERALD

Tony Bohnenkamp performs July 29 on

the Classic Stage.


Mercer, Mo. The band includes Tyson,Wyatt and Jason Rumley, along withJosh Thompson and Chat Gwinn. Theyplay their own brand of country withthe songs of their heroes and countrylegends like George Strait, DwightYoakum and more modern acts likeDierks Bentley and Justin Moore. In2011 the boys released “Grandpa’sOutlaws.”

The Jim Biehn Band

Aug. 2, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

James M. Biehn began playing thetrumpet at the age of 10 and then guitarat Norwalk High School where he wonmultiple soloist awards and helped hishigh school band win first place in thestate competition two years in a row.He attended Southwestern CommunityCollege in Creston and became

proficient in music theory, jazzkeyboard and big band/vocal arranging.

He began teaching guitar in 1998 atGround Zero Music in Indianola and by2001 he had officially quit his “day job”and has been teaching guitar and bassguitar full time ever since.

He has played with bands includingthe Nadas, the Jeff Banks Band, HydePark and Soapbox Prophets.

He is a first-call studio musician incentral Iowa, and has contributed toalbums by the Nadas, Bonne Finken,the Josh Davis Band as well as variouscommercial works.

In 2005, he was the winner of Lazer103.3’s Guitar Battle, which earned himthe opportunity to play onstage with theband Tesla.

In 2006 he accepted an adjunctfaculty position at SouthwesternCommunity College teaching guitar. Heinstructs a studio of about 75 studentsand in 2009, opened the Central IowaMusic Lab.

The Bob Pace Band

Aug. 3, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Guitarist Bob Pace has entertainedMidwest audiences for more than 40years. He led the Tuesday night houseband at Blues on Grand for almost 20years. He’s a member of the Iowa BluesHall of Fame and the Iowa Rock ‘n’ RollHall of Fame. He has also won the IowaBlues Challenge solo/duo competitionwith Steve E. George.

He plays Fridays at the Gas Lampand Wednesdays at Zimm’s on IngersollAvenue in Des Moines. Pace has openedfor blues icons Jimmy Vaughan, JohnnyWinter, John Mayall, Tab Benoit, Towerof Power, Delbert McClinton andcountless others.

He picked up his first guitar at age10 and was serious by 14.

The Rumley Brothers play the Classic Stage

on Aug. 1. PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE RECORD HERALD

Meet the bandsContinued from Page 22

The Jim Biehn Band performs Aug. 2 on the

Classic Stage.


Indianola native StaciScheurenbrand is no stranger tothe National Balloon Classic.“I’ve been a huge fan of the Classic

since I was a little girl,”Scheurenbrand said. “I remember theballoons flying off of SimpsonCollege. My husband was on the boarda few years back and I used to dosome volunteering with him.”

Now she’s in charge of making surethese balloons actually take off.Scheurenbrand is the new executivedirector of the National BalloonClassic. She was previously thedirector of WeLift Job Search.

“I was presented this opportunityand the more I learned about it, themore excited I got about it,” she said. “I love working in nonprofits and Ilove working in organizations that arein my own community and work onbehalf of my own community.”

Giving back to the community is

what she’s really focusing on.Scheurenbrand knows the economicimpact the event has on Indianola andshe says that is an exciting aspect ofher new position. Her background inmarketing, communications andnonprofit management from SimpsonCollege is also a perfect fit for thisposition, she said.

Scheurenbrand has one word todescribe her opportunity to work withhot air balloons: humbling.

“It’s really truly an honor,” she said.“It truly is. All the memories I have ofthis event are all good memories.Some of the best memories of mychildhood are running around andmeeting the pilots. It’s been in thecommunity for over 40 years.”

Scheurenbrand says she hopes tocontinue the tradition of keeping thespirit and energy for the BalloonClassic alive. She hopes to learn andobserve from her first time runningthe event.

After thoroughly understandingthe dynamics first hand,

Scheurenbrand said she hopes to useher learned concepts to implement inyears to come.

“My biggest goal is that everyonewho comes to the Classic hopefullysees a great show,” she said. “Even ifthe balloons don’t fly due to weather,they still leave thinking, ‘Wow,Indianola’s a great place to be.’ ”

Under her leadership, she says noone will be a stranger to Indianola andthe National Balloon Classic.

And this is the attitude she hopes togarner from the rest of Indianola’sresidents as well, becauseexperiencing the Balloon Classicthroughout her life has taught theIndianola native one thing: a sense ofcommunity.

“We need to stay respectful andstay committed to our well-respectedroots,” she said. “There are already somany things about the Classic thatalready work. It’s really like a family.From the pilots to the volunteers andthe board of directors. It’s just acomplete honor being a part of it.”

New leader has roots in ClassicBy Steffi Lee


Flying NASCAR

Ron Nollen of Hartland, Wis., flies his

NASCAR themed hot air balloon, Last

Lap, over the National Balloon Classic

field in Indianola in 2012.



Hordes of balloonists andspectators will soon descend onIndianola and the surrounding

area for the annual National BalloonClassic, July 26-Aug. 3.

A multitude of races and skillscompetitions will test balloon pilotsduring the festivities. Morningactivities are used to determine theNational Balloon Classic champion.Competitions feature multiple eventseach day as balloonists completevarious tasks and accumulate points.

In the evenings, balloon eventsfocus more on entertainingspectators.

Bill Clemons, race director of theNational Balloon Classic, said theevening activities center on crowdinvolvement.

“The evenings are geared moretoward the crowd participation,” saidClemons, who is in his sixth year asrace director. “The hula hoop drops,the fish in the pond, the key grabs —those are geared in the evenings forthe crowd to watch and they mayactually kind of participate becausethey root the guy on and hope that hedoes good.”

The crowd-focused activities allowspectators to view balloonists up closeas they compete for prizes in variousgames. Many of the evening activitiestest the participants’ ability to dropmarkers from their baskets. Theyattempt to drop rings around variousobjects or compete in contests liketic-tac-toe.

Among the most popular and livelyNational Balloon Classic events is theDon Kersten Memorial Task named for an infamous flight by the U.S.

Ballooning Hall of Fame member.“Back in 1966 … (Kersten) was

flying out of Indianapolis Speedwayand hit an outhouse that had a ladyinside of it,” Clemons said. “It wasprobably one of the first ballooninglawsuits that happened. She wasn’thurt, or nothing, but she was certainlyembarrassed.”

As a tribute to Kersten, balloonistsattempt to tip over an outhouse in theevent bearing his name.

While evening festivities are oftenwhimsical in nature, morning racestake a more serious tone asparticipants take to the air seeking theNational Balloon Classic title.

Timed races and accuracy dropstest balloonists’ skills.

One event that can run in either theevening or morning, according toClemons, is the hare ‘n’ hound race inwhich a “hare” lead balloon takesflight before setting a mark which thepursuing “hound” balloons thenattempt to hit with their own droppedmarkers.

Multiple races run in the morningswith a top score of 1,000 points foreach event. The balloonist to compilethe most points by the conclusion ofthe weeklong competition earns thetitle.

“In the morning, there is a hardcoregroup of competitors that come fromall across the country that are worldchampions, national champions thatare vying for the Indianola title. Towin in Indianola is a huge thingamongst balloonists,” Clemons said.

Approximately 100 balloonists areregistered for this year’s events.

The race director, who firstcompeted in Indianola as a balloonist in 1987, noted the unique aspectcommunity involvement plays in theNational Balloon Classic.

“We have over 100 differentlandowners that have given uspermission to use their yards fortarget areas — that’s prettyimpressive,” Clemons said. “That’s agreat credit to Indianola and thelandowners.”

Events to fill air for racers, spectatorsMornings are competitive, while eveningactivities focus on crowd involvement.By Blair Schilling



Specialty Balloons

Specialty balloons this year include Wicked, Spunky the Skunk, the Purple People Eater

and Freedom (an eagle). SUBMITTED PHOTO

Visitors to the National BalloonClassic are in for a treat.

“We’re welcoming newsponsors,” said Staci Scheurenbrand,executive director of the NationalBalloon Classic. “We’re welcomingnew vendors and we have anentertainment director who lined upsome wonderful bands for everynight of the Classic.”

From July 26 to Aug. 3, Indianola’sskies will burst with color with hotair balloons flown by pilots from allover the world. But because it is aweather-dictated event, coordinatorshave scheduled plenty of new familyentertainment and children’sactivities.

“We have an all new Kids Land,”Scheurenbrand said.

The Kids Land activities includecarnival games, face painting andinflatables for children to enjoy. Theride operator, Andy Williams, has alarge balloon that fits up to 14 people.

The traditional Nite GlowExtravaganzas are scheduled forJuly 26, July 31 and Aug. 1.Fireworks displays are scheduledfor each Saturday.

The Indianola Open Air Market onthe Indianola town square isscheduled for July 27.

For nine days, spectators will geta chance to not only see pilots fromall over the world fly colorfulballoons, but they will also get achance to experience what Indianolahas to offer from morning untilevening.

“We’re building upon thetraditions of the past,”Scheurenbrand said.

New sponsors, vendors

offer exciting additionsBy Steffi Lee



This year’s United StatesBallooning Hall of Famecommittee has selected three

inductees for induction. The threechosen are Dennis Floden of Florida,Bill Murtorff of Texas and Dr. ClaytonThomas of Massachusetts.

The committee includesrepresentatives from the BalloonFederation of America and theNational Balloon Museum and mustconsist of at least five members.Inductees are selected in a merit-basedprocess that looks at the individual’sachievements, contributions,character, sportsmanship andlongevity in ballooning.

The induction of the new candidateswill be at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at theNational Balloon Museum. Admissionto the event is free, and refreshmentswill follow the ceremony.

Dennis Floden

Dennis Floden, alsoknown as Capt. Phogg,has more than 45 yearsexperience in ballooningas a competitor, teacher,manufacturer,ambassador andrepresentative of severalof America’s commercialbrands. Floden was thefirst World Hot Air

Balloon champion in 1971, and hasflown in numerous places, includingEngland, Croatia, Serbia, Sweden,Russia, Canada and many states. Healso recognized balloons as a mediafront, and began flying with more

commercial intents. This developedinto his most well-knownaccomplishment, which was Kellogg’sTony the Tiger hot air balloon. Flodenhas now retired to Anna Maria Island,Fla., and is planning to attend theinduction ceremony.

Bill Murtorff

Bill Murtorff beganflying lessons in 1971 andachieved more than 3,800flights in almost everypossible flight condition.In the late ’70s and early’80s he served two termson the Balloon Federationof America board aspresident. He is the onlypilot to have participated

in all 26 Albuquerque InternationalBalloon Fiestas and published aHouston Balloon Associationnewsletter for more than 20 years. Atthe time of his death, Tom Hamiltonremembered Murtorff in Balloon Lifeand quoted him as saying, “I alwaystried to get the stories that others wereafraid to print.” He had retired inMexico and died in 1998.

Dr. Clayton Thomas

Dr. Clayton Thomas, also known asthe “Dare-Devil Doctor of DingleyDell,” was born in Illinois in 1921,earned his medical degree from theMedical College of Virginia and aM.P.H. degree from HarvardUniversity School of Public Health. Heand his wife, Margaret Ann, have four

children, all of whombecame certifiedcommercial balloonpilots; one has aballooning business andanother operates a repairstation and the BalloonSchool of Massachusettsat Dingley Dell atBrimfield. Thomasparticipated in

development of techniques whichcontribute to safe flying today, andfounded the Balloon School ofMassachusetts and Balloon Port. Hewas certified as a pilot of gas balloonswith helium, logged approximately1,800 hours as a commercial balloonpilot and also flew single engine planesand helicopters. Thomas cannot attendthe induction ceremony, but recentlyreceived the plaque at a specialrecognition in Massachusetts.

National Balloon Classic Hall of Fame

Three to join honored ranks

Dennis

Floden

Bill

Murtorff

Clayton

Thomas

Helen BartholomewMary GeigerOrrie KoehlmoosGib McConnellLarry McConnellEldon McElroyDarcy Moeller

Rich NelsonDonald PrineDonna RieckDennis ShullJim ThoriusMichael Van HammeMartha West

National Balloon

Classic Foundation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/National-Balloon-Classic/385205488208976

Twitter: INBClassic, use hashtag#inbclassic2013

Instagram: INBClassic

Email: [email protected]

Website: nationalballoonclassic.com

Balloon Classic

social media

Presenting Sponsor

Community Bank

Medical Trailer

Herold Trailer Sales

Mercy Clinics

Farmer Appreciation Night

Indianola Chiropractors

Community Bank

Warren County Fair


Pilot Recognition Banquet

Balloons Over Iowa

Iowa Balloonist Association


Sponsor Building

Hy-Vee of Indianola

Sponsors

ABCM/Westview Care Ctr.

Al and Mel Appenzeller

A Special Event DJ

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling

Company

Balloons Over Iowa

Bank of the West

Barker Implement

Bartholomew Farms

BASF

Bayer CropScience

Bendon Plumbing, Heating,

and A/C

Bob’s Custom Trophies

Drew and Diane Bracken

Cal’s Fine Food and Spirits

Joe and Erma Campopiano

Casey’s General Stores

Cemen Tech

Central IA Insurance/Todd Isley

City State Bank

Charles Collins, DDS

Tom and Keri Comfort

Community Bank

Country Financial - Rob R. Keller

Country Propane

Crain Chiropractic

Karen Creager and Steve Barker

Crouse Cafe

Dental Professionals, PLC —

Drs. Jacobsen, Pins, Vespa

and Main

Details Plus Inc.

Doll Distributing LLC

Downing Construction

Dick and Phyllis Drake

Edwards

Electrical Engineering

Equipment

Ellis Law Offices

Embassy Suites Des Moines

Downtown

Funaro’s Deli & Bakery

Fusion Fitness

Gib’s A&W All American Food

Good Samaritan Society —

Indianola

Greater Des Moines Convention

& Visitors Bureau

Gary and Kamie Haynes

Herberger Construction

Herberger Family

Herold Trailer Sales

Hy-Vee of Indianola

Indianola Chamber of

Commerce

Indianola Family Dentistry

Indianola Municipal Utilities

Indianola Pizza Ranch Inc.

Indy 66/Jiffy Xpress

Iowa Balloonist Association

Iowa Realty

Iowa Water Management

Corporation

J.E. Meadows & Co. L.C.

Jefferson Plaza and Orchard

Plaza

Jerico Services Inc.

Jim’s Johns

Karey Bishop — Iowa Realty

Bob and Susie Kling

M&M Sales Company

Mahaska Communication

Group/IMU Partners

Mary Donaghy Insurance

McCoy True Value Hardware

Medicap Pharmacy

Mercy Medical Center

MidAmerican Energy Company

Miller Electric

Misty Soldwisch — RE/MAX

Innovations

News Radio 1040 WHO

Noble Ford

Ohnemus Construction

Overton Funeral Home

Parker Signs & Graphics Inc.

Peoples Bank

Peoples Company of Indianola

Pierce Brothers Repair

Mike and Carol Polson

Power Protection Products

Principal Financial Group

Quality Plumbing, Heating

and A/C

RE/MAX Innovations

The Record-Herald and

Indianola Tribune

Route 65 Harley Davidson Shop

S&H Electric

Doug Shull

Shull & Co. P.C.

Simpson College

Snyder & Associates Inc.

Southtown Chrysler, Dodge,

Jeep, Ram

Spindustry Digital

Sports Page Grill

Summerset Winery

The Kuhns Group

Theisen’s of Indianola

Tim McConnell Photography

Trembly Plumbing & Heating

Van Ryswyk Insurance

Vanderpool Construction

V R ID Cards

Marlene Wall

Wal-Mart

Warren County Economic

Development Corp.

Waste Management of Iowa

Weinman Insurance

Wells Fargo

Steven West, DDS

WHO-TV 13

“Wicked” The Broadway

Musical

2013 National Balloon Classic sponsors


$150

Robert and Bonnie Baldus

Donald and Patricia Brandt

Chuck Kerr, CLU

Mike and Sue Coppess

Indianola Veterinary Clinic

LLC

Robert and Patricia Salik

Marv and Barb Van Sickle

$75

Alan Dyer and Jeanne Baker

Dani Clark

Deer Run Golf Club

Randy, Sue and Emily

Edwards

Dorothy Ehlert

Executive Laser Wash

Fareway Stores Inc.

Marylin Gorham

Bill and Kris Gross

Doug and Jodene Hansen

John and Joan Hartung

Carol F. Kenney

Ned A. Kluever

Legacy Asset Management

Inc.

Sam and Jane Martin

McKee Family Shorthorns

Leroy and Kathryn Moore

Dennis and Linda Nicholson

Sharon Phillips

Steve and Jenny

Scheurenbrand

Bob and Janice Shelton

State Farm Insurance Chad

Kuehl Agency

Sternquist Construction

Randy and Lisa Stone

Jon and Margaret Vernon

National Balloon

Classic members

Taking to the sky

Bill Smith of Storm Lake pilots Condor II and B.J. Anderson

of Clive helms Dreams Do Come True during the Aug. 1,

2012, evening flight of the National Balloon Classic in

Indianola. MICHAEL ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD


The National Balloon Classic is atarget-rich environment forphotographers.

Believe it or not, that can be aproblem.

Point a camera in virtually anydirection and you will get a good photo ofa colorful balloon. But after looking atphoto after photo of beautiful balloonsagainst a blue sky, you may be wonderingwhy all of your shots are beginning tolook the same.

The difference between a good photoand a great, memorable image oftencomes down to careful composition andan eye for detail. Here are a few tips tohelp you get the most out of your NationalBalloon Classic photo opportunity.

Keep your perspective

Fully inflated balloons can be massive.

A sky full of them is an awesome sight.Communicating that scale through aphoto requires a few tricks.

One way is to include something in theframe to provide a sense of scale. Thiscan be a house, a truck, a person — almostanything that will give the viewer of thephoto an idea of just how large theballoons are.

Eyes on the skies

A balloon in a bright blue sky canmake a good photo. That same balloonagainst a backdrop of dramatic cloudformations lit by the setting or rising suncan be the source of a much morememorable shot.

Seeking out dramatic skies is a tricklandscape photographers have been usingsince the dawn of photography. Takingfull advantage of such a sky requirescropping loosely enough to include boththe balloons and the clouds.

Be reflective

Take advantage of ponds and lakes tocapture reflections of the balloons. Butdon’t limit yourself to bodies of water.Look for reflections of balloons insunglasses, car mirrors and more. Keepyour eyes open and you may find a uniqueshot.

Frame your balloons

Look for ways to frame your shots. Forinstance, balloons in the process ofinflating can provide a frame for balloonsalready in the air.

Set your alarm clock

To avoid crowds, plan your photoexpeditions for the morning flights. Youmay be bleary-eyed later in the day, butyour efforts will be rewarded.

Be abstract

The brightly colored designs on hot airballoon envelopes create a greatopportunity for abstract photos. This isparticularly true when the balloons are

inflating.Special shapes

Specialty shape balloons offer uniqueopportunities for photographers. Forinstance, balloons shaped like oversizedanimals can offer humorousjuxtapositions. As the balloons are beinginflated, try moving in close to capturejust a portion of the balloons — like a foot

Shutterbug’s paradise

A pair of hot air balloons float above rural

Indianola during a morning flight at the

2012 National Balloon Classic. MICHAEL

ROLANDS/RECORD-HERALD

Crafty shooters can create lasting images with a few tipsBy Michael Rolands

[email protected]

See SHUTTER, Page 30


Even though the 2013 NationalBalloon Classic hasn’t finished,executive director Staci

Scheurenbrand says she already has abinder filled with ideas for next year.

“I think one of the biggestmisconceptions is that we only workfor a few months out of the year to puton the Classic,” Scheurenbrand said.“My 2014 folder has ideas with moreways to grow, ways to make thisexciting and a great offering for ourcity.”

Although the Classic ends Aug. 3,Scheurenbrand said work never ends.

“On Aug. 5, we’ll be hitting it rightover again and starting plans for 2014,”she said.

The first step in tackling the projectof coordinating the National BalloonClassic is a large cleaning day.

“We’ll continue to clean the field andthe building,” she said. “We don’t hirethose things out. We have an extremely

hardworking board of directors and anincredible army of volunteers.”

Scheurenbrand says more than 150volunteers help out with the Classicand make the event possible.

“They’re just amazing people,” shesaid. “Some of our volunteers havebeen with us for nearly 25 years.”

After cleaning, there is always workto be completed. Whether it deals withcontacting potential new sponsors orfollowing up with balloonists, staffmembers stay busy.

Becky Kakac, office manager of theNational Balloon Classic, is going onher seventh year with the Classic. Shealso agrees that it’s a mistake to thinkstaff members are without projectsand tasks during time outside of theClassic.

“We’re really busy most of theyear,” Kakac said. “We plan our majorfundraiser. We’re constantly contactingsponsors, pilot registration starts inFebruary, so we have a very busycalendar. We have a month-to-monthcalendar and we have things to do

every month.”Staff members love and enjoy

planning the Classic, but coordinatingan event of this size has its obstacles.

“Obviously the economy has taken aturn,” Scheurenbrand said. “It’simproving, but events like ballooningand festivals, they’ve all taken a hit.The struggles lie in maintaining theevent, maintaining the integrity of theevent. It’s something that everyone’scherished for over 40 years in ourcity.”

Scheurenbrand credits previousexecutive director Greg Marchant forbattling the tough economic times andfor mentoring her whenever she needsguidance. Both Kakac andScheurenbrand also appreciate thecommunity’s willingness to help in allaspects of the Classic.

With a strong community comes themomentum and motivation in creatingideas for Scheurenbrand’s 2014 Classicbinder.

“It all definitely is a team effort,”she said.

2014 planning in the worksBy Steffi Lee


or a face — with a member of thecrew in the frame to provide a senseof scale.

Keep your blue skies blue

If you are trying to captureballoons in a blindingly blue sky,pay attention to the location of thesun.

Point your camera away from thesun and you should get nice, blueskies. Point your camera toward thesun and your skies will wash outinto a pale blue. If you have one, apolarizing filter can also help bringout the blue.

Share your shots

If you’re going to the 2013National Balloon Classic inIndianola keep your camera handyand upload a few of your best shotson our Facebook fan page. (Search‘Indianola Record-Herald’ online atfacebook.com.)

Make sure you identify who is ineach photo and we might use themin an upcoming issue of TheRecord-Herald.

SHUTTERContinued from Page 29

2013 balloon tab

Documents

national balloon museum

balloon photos

balloon queen candidates

scout project benefits

dozens of balloons

specialty balloons

account executive

new executive director