July 2021 • Nebraskaland 45
Coming into its sixth year Aug. 11-14, the Old West Balloon
Fest has grown from 18 to more than 80 balloons and has
become the site of the U.S. National Hot Air Ballooning
Championships. The competition challenges pilots to fl y to
specifi c locations in the sky and drop sand bags on ground
targets. The event's night glows and mass ascensions
entertain thousands.
Other popular events in Nebraska include the Nebraska
Balloon & Wine Festival at Elkhorn, Falls City Hot Air Balloon
Festival, and Blues and Balloons Festival at Springfi eld.
Technology surely will continue pushing aircraft farther
and faster. Whether riding in the gondola or observing from
below, however, this oldest form of human air transport will
surely continue to amaze people for generations to come.
N
ABOVE: Unloading the Wooly Bugger, a balloon owned by
Justin Elkins of Helena, Montana.
BELOW: Candlesticking.
