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| Published in the Topeka Capital-Journal, Sept. 13, 2007: | |
A perfect moment On Sept. 7, I attended the 2007 Huff 'n Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally at Lake Shawnee. It was my first time. The weather was perfect. The hot air balloons were plentiful and colorful. It was amazing to watch as knowledgeable crews methodically unrolled, inflated and launched these huge objects into thin air. Thousands of people attended this free event -- many in family groups. |
I saw new babies and all other ages, including great-grandparents. People of all colors and creeds were eating, playing, relaxing, learning and enjoying the spectacle together -- side by side -- in harmony. Some things aren't right in this world, but some things are perfect in their moment of grace. Congratulations, Topeka. CAROL YOHO, Topeka |
—Select a photo to see the larger version— |
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See also: Great Plains Balloon Club
From Mark Wunder, Topeka: In picture 16 (the one you call "Smiley"), I'm the guy in the green shirt on the far left side of the balloon. The pilot is the one in the green shirt in the center, making sure the top lines on the top are not tangled. The balloon is called Sunny D'Lite, out of Oklahoma City, OK, and the pilot's name is Ron McKinney. His wife, Brenda, is the co-owner of the balloon. The guy on the right (in the white shirt) is Walt Pursell, owner of Walt's Auto Shop on 10th St., Topeka. He has been the sponsor for the Sunny D for the last couple of years. I've crewed for these folks six years in a row at Huff 'n Puff.