Balloon Rally 2006

I caught these pictures after the Friday and Saturday morning balloon launches that are part of the annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally Expo. held at Otsiningo Park. This was the 22nd annual Spiedie Fest. (If you don't know about spiedies, you should feel left out!)

I'm sorry I don't know more about the balloons and their pilots. I've included some information from the newspaper coverage, but I'd be happy to hear from someone who knows!

Suggestions are welcome - just send me an email.

(Click on any Photo for a larger version)
All photographs are © Copyright Dick Bower

Balloon Valley Hot air balloons rise up through the valley fog on Saturday Morning of our local Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally. August 05, 2006

Balloon and Wires I had a lot of trouble avoiding wires in the balloon pictures — (that's a high priority for the pilots, too). For once, I decided to include the wires. August 06, 2006

Morning Ride Pretty balloon sailing over Airport road August 06, 2006

Are You a Turtle? Balloon, "Pokey" the turtle, sails over Airport road. August 06, 2006

Look Up! Interesting shot as this neat balloon passes almost directly overhead. August 06, 2006

Balloon and Dome I Interesting juxtaposition of a ground-based inflated dome and a hot air balloon. This was taken next to the new Greater Binghamton Sports Complex near Airport road. August 06, 2006

Balloon and Dome II Another balloon sails over the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex. August 06, 2006

Ride's Over Chase crew prepares to pack up this beautiful balloon (which I believe is called "Great Balls of Fire") just off East Maine road. August 06, 2006