Each year the Hot Air Balloon Festival brings in lots of pilots to the area, and for 2018, the wind was on their side! Members of the media got the chance to take to the skies of Foley on Friday, May 4, to see a side of the city not often seen: the view from above! The day began with breakfast at Tanger Outlets, where pilots, media, family, and friends gathered to make morning plans. Afterwards, pilots split up to varying locations throughout the city to prepare for lift-off. One of the most popular spots was Columbia South University, and from there, I was given the chance to take a ride in the HiLeigh Kentagious balloon, owned by pilot Ken Johnston and wife and CrewQueen Leigh Johnston. The Johnstons have enjoyed hot air ballooning since 1989, and travelled from Canton, Mississippi for the event. They participate in many events across the South, and state that the name of their balloon is not only a reflection of themselves, but also describes ballooning as fun and contagious. The Johnstons and volunteer crew members got the balloon prepped and inflated and we took to the skies, sailing north over Foley. Those down below were able to wave good morning as multiple balloons soared overhead, touching down at various pre-approved locations throughout the city.
