Posted: 11/6/07
Balloon rally has become a tradition for Caledoniaís holiday celebration
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Cities throughout the area sponsor annual celebrations to attract visitors to their communities, to observe their heritage and/or cityís history, and focus in on that special niche, or tradition that has developed over the years the celebration has been held.
While most community celebrations are held during the summer months, Caledoniaís Balloon Rally, which will be held December 8 and 9, is unique for several reasons. It is one of the only community celebrations held in the winter, and is the only official balloon rally held south of Rochester each year.
According to Randy Weibel, who will be serving as the event organizer for the 14th straight year, the balloon rally started in 1990. Allan McCormick and two other ballooning enthusiasts decided to launch their balloons the day after the Christmas parade, which is held the first Friday evening in December. That Saturday morning launch drew a number of spectators. They were so impressed with the colorful balloons sailing over the frozen countryside, they encouraged McCormick and company to hold a rally the following year.
The small, impromptu rally was the next two years, drawing more spectators and interest.
"I think it was the year I served as chamber (Caledonia Chamber of Commerce) president that I contacted Allan and asked him if we could make this an organized event," Weibel remembered. "It was still very informal. We didnít advertise the event. But people came to watch." Weibel added Miles and Jean Miller and Clayton and Janene Hosch were very instrumental in getting the balloon rally off the ground.
Another balloonist, Grady Davis, heard about the fledgling rally and asked if he could participate. Davis arrived in Caledonia the night before and took in the parade. He felt the rally could really be promoted if some of the balloon gondolas, equipped with their burners, could be part of the evening parade. The bright flashes of the burners were quite dramatic in the night sky, and the warmth generated was a welcome relief from the cold for parade goers.
By 1995, the balloon rally grew to include a dozen balloons, most of which were featured in the Friday night parade.
Over the past decade, the rally has grown to as many as 23 balloons. The balloonists and their crews have made the Caledonia Christmas Parade and Balloon Rally an annual event. According to Weibel, many have developed close friendships with the locals who have opened up their homes for weekend lodging, and those who have volunteered to be part of their chase crews.
The balloonists love to share their sport with others, according to Weibel. That need to share developed into a program Caledonia third and fourth graders have come to look forward to each year. The balloonists put on a hands-on program for the kids, and if Mother Nature cooperates, some lucky students get the feel of ballooning with a tethered ride.
Speaking of Mother Nature, weather plays a major factor in the success of the balloon rally each year. The rally includes three different lift-off times- early Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and again early Sunday morning.
Some years the weather cooperates perfectly, and there are three lift-offs. There have been five years when Mother Nature hasnít cooperated and the event was a total washout.
"These people are all licensed pilots. They donít take chances. If the weather isnít just right, they donít fly,"" Weibels noted. "And, weíve never had an accident or an injury in all the years weíve had the balloon rally."
To bring the balloon rally to Caledonia, area businesses sponsor the balloons. The cost is $200 per sponsorship and entitles each sponsor to two rides. Some businesses hold drawings to see who the two lucky persons are. Others give them out to loyal customers who might have an interest in ballooning. Other sponsors have held office lotteries.
"Weíre still looking for eight to 10 sponsors," Weibel pointed out. Persons should contact Weibel or the other members of the balloon rally committee. They are Diana Hammell, Tim Pattrin, Kathy Lunde and Patty Goetzinger.
A wine tasting event and silent auction, which is scheduled Nov. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Four Seasons Community Center, helps pay for the rally. And Tru Gas of Caledonia will be donating the fuel needed to get the balloons into the air.
"Itís a very enjoyable event, something that has become very unique to Caledonia. Itís also very weather sensitive. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate with us this year," Weibel concluded.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com