by Kylee Boyter
kboyter@cherryroad.com
Since 2007, the Eyes to the Sky balloon festival has been inspiring balloon-enthusiasts, like Tonia Lewis and her husband, Josh who are pilots of balloon, “Czech It Out”.
Lewis first experience the true magic of hot air-balloons in 2007 when she happened to catch her first flight.
“I’m a photographer, so I was planning to take photos out on the field,” said Lewis. “I was shortly approached by a gentleman that didn’t seem to happy about us being on the field.”
To Lewis and her husband’s surprise, the man’s demeanor quickly changed when he learned about their interest in the balloons.
“He offered us a ride in his balloon, as his riders didn’t show up in time for takeoff,” said Lewis.
Lewis describes the experience as surreal and something everyone should try some day.
“A lot of people are scared of it, mostly due to a fear of heights,” said Lewis. “But once your in the basket all of that goes away. I would compare it to an elevator ride in the sky, especially with an experienced pilot, you cannot tell you’ve left the ground.”
The Eyes to the Sky balloon festival is special to Lewis and her family because Salina was where their love for hot air balloons began.
“After that first experience, we began crewing and chasing the balloons to help them once they’ve landed,” said Lewis. “Then my husband got his pilot’s license to fly.”
As the 17 year of the Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival, a total of 25 balloons are expected to attend and take flight.
“Our pilots come from all over,” said Lewis. “Many are from Utah, but we also have pilots traveling from California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.”
From Friday, June 21 til Sunday, June 23, the balloons will prepare to launch from the North Sevier Middle School field at 6 a.m. with weather permitting.
“Flight is all dependent on the weather,” said Lewis. “We are hopeful for good days to be able to launch each morning.”
On Saturday there will also be a special free tethered balloon ride offered to those who meet at the North Sevier Middle School.
“The free tethered ride is also dependent on the weather and will be first come first serve,” said Lewis. “The tethered rides will begin once the rest of the balloons have taken off.”
Other entertainment will be offered the entire weekend, leaving everyone with something fun to do.
“There will be a corn hole tournament, FMX motorcycle stunts, food trucks, vendors, live music, free swim at the Salina City pool, and the Saturday night Balloon glow,” said Lewis.
To register for the corn hole tournament, register on the Scoreholio app or with Krisy Hallows. On the Scoreholio app search for “Eyes to the Sky”.
Additional vendors spaces are still available. If interest, visit eyestotheskyballoonfestival.com or contact Lisa at 801-850-8563.
