Forest Park Balloon Race Program 2018

18 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race • Presented by PNC Bank Race across the park. Many wore bunny ears over their bandanas. The wind took the balloons their way, and for some reason caused a half-dozen balloons (including the Energizer Bunny) to dip down at Kingshighway, then fly up and right over the kids for a close-up view. There were cheers — and tears from nurses and parents as the kids took off their bandanas and waved at the balloons. None of the pilots could explain why the wind took them that way. Some thought they knew. 22 The Shortest Flight: Launching and Landing in Forest Park. 1986 — when Balloons flew a “box,” allowing them to fly one direction, go higher and fly the opposite — and land back at Forest Park, which some did. 23 The Kids’ Traditions: Many. Here’s one: For years a kid gave his favorite pilot a box of chocolate chip cookies with M&Ms. “In case you get hungry up there.” 24 The Tough Flying Conditions: Flying from Forest Park — in the middle of a major city, compared to flying from open fields, where most races take place. Even the most experienced pilots get a surprise when they lift off from the Park. “That’s why the pilots are by invitation only, with higher- than-normal requirements for flight hours and experience.”— Organizer Ted Staley. 25 The Wettest Landing: The Mississippi River. In 1972, The Hare Balloon (then KMOX) touched down in the river. Some hounds followed. They were pulled to shore by barges and tugs. Sue Mathias, a KMOX announcer, never missed a beat — and broadcast as her shoes got wet. 26 The Strangest Passenger: A Gorilla. One crew member flew in a Gorilla suit. Upon landing, he scared the heck out of dozens of kids running to see the Balloon. The kids retreated quickly. (All recovered and got souvenir pins.) 27 The Brightest, Most Colorful Lights Ever in Forest Park: The Balloon Glow. 28 The Biggest and Most Prestigious Band: The Saint Louis Symphony. Marlow said, “Hey, we’ve got a band … and it’s free … the Symphony.” The partners thought he was crazy … until Conductor Hans Vonk raised his baton at the field. 29 The Silliest Attraction in the Kid’s Area: The Purina Beefstro, wherein dogs dined at little tables with checkered table cloths, complete with an accordion player wearing a beret. 30 The first Mayor to ride in the Race: Mayor Francis Slay, in 2005. Continued on page 42 46 Facts Continued from page 8