HOT AIR BALLOON SHOOT OUT
There are many types of hot air balloon events held across the country, and internationally as well. We are very fortunate to be able to host the Hot Air Balloon Shoot-Out. This year will be the 15th annual competitive event. The event will begin the evening of June 5th and conclude the morning of June 7th.
We will be hosting 16 hot air balloon pilots as we come together to celebrate what is great about ballooning. This group of visitors are a tight knit community that have welcomed many Carson City residents into their 'family' as crew members as well as future pilots. We extend a very warm welcome to our visitors and are looking forward to making more memories.
The evening balloon flights will launch from the centrally located site behind Carson City-Crystal High School. The morning flights will be held in the early hours on Saturday and Sunday. All of our pilots will meet for a weather and safety briefing, and then set off for launch sites throughout the surrounding area. Planning is critical for these flights. These are normally multiple task flights as they fly from target to target dropping a baggie in hopes of being the closest to target. It is amazing to watch the pilots maneuver their balloon toward the target.
Points are awarded to pilots according to how close a pilot's 'baggie' lands near the center of the 'X'. It is very important to remember that as spectators, everyone must stay at least 500 feet away from each target. Safety of our participants is extremely important.
Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket to enjoy the view of the beautiful balloons as they take flight. Come on out to watch the launches and glows, children young and old are certain to have a WONDERFUL time! As always, we will have a DJ and an announcer to make your experience fun and exciting.
3...2...1...Glow
Join us while we "Glow"! A fun and exciting way to end a nice evening of flying, is topped off with a "Glow" at the launch site. We are pleased to offer a 'Glow' both Friday and Saturday evenings.
On Friday evening after the flight, half of our pilots will take the field again, located at Carson City-Crystal High School, and inflate their balloon ‘envelopes’, to show the crowd how they "glow" and "twinkle glow". In exactly the same manner on Saturday evening, the other half of our pilot roster will take the field for the same type of 'glow'. So, if you didn’t see your favorite balloon Friday night, come back on Saturday night to see if 'your' balloon will be glowing among the crowd. Our local announcer will be 'conducting' the evenings and will need your help in making this event a success.

The Pilots

Pilot Shawn Raya
Sullair
Sponsor: Sparrow Carson Hospital Professional Medical Staff

Pilot Chuck Walz
Lucky Max
Sponsor: All Seasons Insurance Agency

Pilot Chris Smart
Dream Racer
Sponsor: Betty Kellenberger, County Commissioner District 3

Pilot Jeff Pestun
Good Grief Allison
Sponsor: R.H. Wiles Sales Inc. & Main Street Pizza

Pilot Steve Mitchell
Old Cat
Sponsor: Midtown Bar & The Muffin Top Bakery & Deli

Pilot Rick Kerber
Michigan Cat
Sponsor: Bruce and Linda Tasker and Tami Tasker

Pilot Larry Coan
Superfluous
Sponsor: The Boyer Club of Carson City Correctional Facility

Pilot Janet Lutkus
Goodnight Gracie
Sponsor: The Butler Family

Pilot Mark Enszer
Celebration
Sponsor: Spicer Group, Inc.

Pilot DJ Wertman
Viper
Sponsor: Carson City Parts Plus

Pilot Wes Dickerson
Fore II
Sponsor: Barnes True Value Hardware & Brown's Auto Care & Tire

Pilot Derrick Jones
Reflections II
Sponsor: Carson City Optics & Choice One Insurance Agency

Pilot Bill Sterner
God's Promise
Sponsor: The Country Press & Red Oak Seamless Eavestroughing, LLC

Pilot Tom Brown
Tomfoolery
Sponsor: Lux Funeral Homes and Hammond Wholesale, Inc.

Pilot Jeffrey Barlett
Tumbleweed
Sponsor: Gage Electric, LLC
