Forest Park Balloon Race Program 2018

2018 • Family Traditions and Soft Landings Since 1973 47 38 The Mom’s Question: “What Would They Say?” Marlow’s mother, Marie, loved the Race, and the “Fab Four.” Marlow found in her nightstand The Picture of the four Race partners. She’d written their names on the back so she wouldn’t forget. When she was 86, she said “I don’t think I can go to the Race anymore. I can’t walk that far.” She was sad. Marlow said, “It’s OK, Mom, Jack can drive you on the field to our area.” She responded “Oh, I couldn’t do that. What would they say?” Marlow repeated, “It’ll be OK.” Marie said again, “But, what would they say.” Marlow smiled and said, “Mom, ‘They’ are us – Ted and Dan and Schaumburg and me.” She attended three more races, until she couldn’t anymore. On Sept. 23, 2009, at age 94, she died on the Monday after Balloon Race. We figure she waited until Monday because They had a lot to do that weekend and she didn’t want to be a bother. 39 The Ghost Balloon: In 1982, when the Race was launched from the old golf course, the crowd was delighted to see a balloon flying very low and slowly across the field, toward them. Then someone realized there was no pilot in that low-flying slow balloon. The crowd in the path of said balloon started to move away quickly. Some stayed, considering it a special treat. Then as it got closer, aimed at them, they moved also. Also, quickly. No pilot. The balloon gently touched the ground and stopped, with some help from a soft, leafy tree. All were fine, including the balloon. It was a special treat. It appears the pilot — who shall remain nameless — had gotten caught up in the moment. The balloon was inflated and ready to go. Instead of getting in and bringing the passengers aboard, the missing pilot stopped to give one more autograph and a jaunty comment or two to nearby spectators. The balloon took off. No pilot. 40 40 years. The Big 4-0 in 2012. A long time that this Great Forest Park Balloon Race has been flying. Four generations of families over four decades. More than 2 million people have come to see the balloons launch. Thousands upon thousands more have watched from Art Hill, Turtle Park, rooftops of hotels, hospitals, office buildings — across the entire St. Louis area, with scores of backyard parties celebrating the Race. It has made many people, especially the kids, very happy. That’s what this Race has been all about. Making people happy. For four decades. 41 Happy Birthday to You, STL. We’re proud to be a part of the city’s 250th anniversary. We realize 42 years is just a drop in the bucket compared to 250, but it gives us something to strive for. We’ll join in the celebration with 70 balloons and 100,000 people — and 250 pieces of cake! 42 A Fab Four Tradition: The Picture. Each year, following the final Pilot’s Meeting, in the hectic minutes before launch, the four race organizers and friends, the Partners — Schettler, Staley, Schaumburg Continued on page 48 46 Facts Continued from page 42 Preparing students for what lies ahead. At St. Roch, we’re committed to delivering an excellent education while preparing students to think, act and serve on their own. It’s a close-knit, caring community where kids get the support they need to flourish wherever they go . Accredited by the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic Schools. To schedule a tour today or request a registration packet call 314-721-2595 or email Principal Dr. Mark Gilligan at markg@strochschool.org www.gostroch.com Kindergarten - 8th Grade Located in the heart of Skinker DeBaliviere