Forest Park Balloon Race Program 2018

26 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race • Presented by PNC Bank Enterprise – Gary Whitby (Columbia, MO) Gary was born and raised in St. Louis and attended the Great Forest Park Balloon Race in its early years and dreamed of one day flying his own balloon in the event. After volunteering at a balloon event, he came home and announced that he wanted to get his own balloon. In 1996 he ordered his new balloon and has been flying ever since. He has competed in competition ballooning at the U.S Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championships and flown in events across the United States as well as in Mexico at the International Festival Del Globos held in Leon Mexico. Every flight is a new adventure and Gary enjoys sharing his love of flight with his passengers. Gary and Cindy Whitby currently live in Columbia, MO. Gary Whitby owns and operates the Pepperidge Farm cookie and cracker distributorship in Central Missouri. Forest Park Forever – Tim Graham (Columbia, MO) Balloon Name: No Regrets Fox 2 & KPLR – Joe Ream (Champaign, IL) Joe (Joe Tomato) is the better half of the two world famous Flying Tomato Brothers (who’s Ralph?). Commercial pilots and instructors of balloons and fixed wing aircraft since 1974, the tomato brothers (age 28) fly the tomato balloon, the first special-shaped balloon ever licensed in America, over their Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan restaurants in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, & Texas. With over 4,000 flight hours, the tomato brothers are skilled at safely executing high wind take-offs and landings, since much of their experience is ballooning over Big Ten football games on windy afternoons. Joe & Ralph are honored to be the longest continuous attendees of The Great Forest Park Balloon Race (42 yrs.), and to often be selected as the Hare Balloon. Humane Society of Missouri – Dan Schettler (St. Louis, MO) As one of the founding Partners, Dan is a key factor in the success of the The Great Forest Park Balloon Race. He coordinates the entire launch field and operations related to creating the festival surrounding the race. KMOX Radio – Carlton Sumner (Rincon, GA) Carlton has more than 20 years of flying experience and has logged more than 10,000 hours in balloons, airplanes, and gliders. His passion for aviation took him to the University of North Dakota where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautics as well as multiple pilot ratings. From school, Sumner spent the next 13 years as an airline pilot flying passengers all across the United States. Sumner has fully immersed himself in the sport of ballooning, attending festivals and flying any chance he gets. Sumner’s professional aviation career has taken him to Savannah, GA where he trains Gulfstream pilots on various Gulfstream types. He is married to his beautiful wife Kaytie. They have 3 children; Selah, Allison, and Noah. Korbel - Frank Anger (Tupelo, MS) Maher and Buck Chiropractic – Larry Owen (Danville, IL) Larry got his Commercial Hot Air Balloon license in 1998. He also has a fixed wing Private, Commercial and Instrument license. His wife Sheelagh is also a private Hot Air Balloon pilot. The Owens live in Danville Illinois. He is a Financial Advisor and Sheelagh does purchasing for a large manufacturer. They have flow all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Owens have flown in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race for 11 years and it is one of their favorite balloon events. Owen won the event in 2011. Marcus Wehrenberg Theatres – Carl Young (House Springs, MO) Carl has had his pilot’s license since 1980, flying seventeen types and sizes of balloons including many special shaped balloons. He has spoken at safety seminars and taught at FAA ground schools, been a National Balloon Classic board member, National Balloon Museum Board member, Iowa Balloon Assoc. vice president in1992 and president in 1993, assistant Fiesta director and scoring officer for the U.S. National championships 1989- 92, Fiesta Director for US National Championships 1993-97. In 1996 he received the Competition Directors Award. Memorable flying experiences include flying in the Johannesburg Centennial, South Africa and the Trans Australian Challenge. He has flown in 32 states. Maryville University – Tom Caton (House Springs, MO) Tom has been flying hot air balloons since 1985, thanks to his cousin Larry and brother Roy who got him involved in ballooning. “It is a wonderful sport it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve met a lot of new people and had a great time with friends. It never gets old flying because each flight is different than the last so it’s always something new and exciting. It’s always great to see how much fun and excitement your passengers are having and being able to point out wildlife in different landmarks when flying. Enjoy life be happy.” Miller Lite - Michael Boylan (Washington, MO) Missouri Lottery – Jim Wolters (Jefferson City, MO) Jim started flying Hot Air Balloons in 1978. During his career he has flown the Pepsi Balloon, Mt. Dew Balloon, Pantera’s Pizza, Pizza Inn Balloon and has been flying the Missouri Lottery Balloon since 1992. Phillips 66 – Scott Appleman (Albuquerque, NM) Scott is the Rainbow Ryders, Inc. Hot Air Balloon Company, President/CEO providing balloon rides and corporate promotion. Rainbow Ryders is celebrating its 35th Anniversary and is the largest balloon ride business in the United States. We operate 25 balloons year round doing over 1800 flights per year and flying over 25,000 passengers. With full time operations in Albuquerque, and Phoenix with 60 employees. We have flown in 45 states and have manage events in Bentonville, Arkansas, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Chihuahua Mexico and Guadalajara, Mexico. Appleman achieved his Commercial Pilot License Lighter than Air, September 1984 and has 5200+ pilot in command flight hours, 800 tether hours, special shape balloon pilot. PNC BANK – Larry Salters (High Ridge, MO) Today, Larry’s balloon “Orange Blossom” is the “hare” balloon. Larry first participated in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race In 1985 and looks forward to many more. After 40 years of flying full-time, part-time, and for recreation, he still most enjoys fall flights when the leaves are changing around the hills of the St. Louis area. Not all years are equally colorful, but when they are, it is always worthwhile.