STATESVILLE, NC – For the last 225 years, people have marveled at hot air balloons— their size, colors and beauty. For every pilot that wants to launch one of these beautiful balloons, a good handful of people is needed to get it into the air. And for every balloon rally, many volunteers are needed.
Carolina BalloonFest is asking for your help and time. Proceeds from the event benefit Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center and Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County.
The festival will be held at the Statesville Regional Airport on Friday, October 24 through Sunday, October 26. Gates will be open on Friday from 3 - 10 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Balloon ascensions are scheduled twice a day at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 4:30 p.m.on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Fifty hot air balloons are expected to participate.
Carolina BalloonFest is the largest hot air balloon rally in North Carolina and the second oldest in the nation. Formally known as the National Balloon Rally, the name was changed two years ago when the event was reorganized and expanded.
Sandra and Paul Bortree, from Olin, North Carolina, have volunteered for the past several years. “We thoroughly enjoy working the event,” Sandra said. “This year, we’re going to help in the wine tasting or merchandise tents. It’s a great way to meet new people.”
Ted DeLisis, from Statesville, worked two full days last year in the Kid’s Zone. “It was a great way to spend a nice afternoon. People can have so much fun when they volunteer,” he commented. “You need two people to work the big games, and at least one person for the smaller games. Parents really appreciate that we provide a safe place for kids during the festival. They really have a blast!”
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and able to work a four-hour shift. They will receive an official Carolina BalloonFest volunteer T-Shirt, free admission, a wine-tasting pass or coupon for 10 percent off festival merchandise.
Volunteer jobs are available in the festival office, at the entrance gate, in the information and souvenirs booths, in the wine tastings tent and in the Kid’s Zone. Volunteers are also needed to set up the event, deliver ice, be floaters for other volunteers, assist with transportation for handicapped guests and, after the rally, take down everything Sunday evening and clean up on Monday morning.
People working in the wine tasting tent are required to take a training class. Two sessions will be held, but volunteers only need to attend one class. The first class is scheduled on Saturday, October 11 from 9-11 a.m. at East Coast Wings in the Bi-Lo Shopping Center, 1875 East Broad Street. The second class will be held from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, October 16 at the Statesville Chamber of Commerce, 115 East Front Street in downtown Statesville. Each class will be taught by a representative from the North Carolina Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement.
To volunteer, contact Janet Goble at 704-902-4551 or register online at www.carolinaballoonfest.com <http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/>.
Admission is $8 for adults; children five and under are free. Parking is free. Tickets are available online at www.carolinaballoonfest.com <http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com/> or at JR’s Discount Outlet, United Federal Credit Union and the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce in Statesville.
Sponsors for the 2008 Carolina BalloonFest include: AT&T, L. Gordon Iron and Metal Company, Doosan Infracore Portable Power, Stiles and Company, The City of Statesville, J. R. Discount Outlets, Cool Spring, Center, United Federal Credit Union, BB&T, Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Design Detail, Sir Speedy, Piedmont Bank, a division of Yadkin Valley Bank. Marketing support for the festival is provided by Midan Marketing and the Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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