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Balloons take to skies over New Castle
NEW CASTLE, Pa.
Twenty-two balloons, including two new ones, are taking to the skies at Union Township Fire Department’s 11th annual “Balloon Quest.”
Firefighter Pat Angiolelli said the event has become quite popular among balloonists and now has a waiting list to take part. Inquiries came this year from balloonists as far away as the Czech Republic, he added.
The event continues today at Scotland Meadows Park from 2 to 11 p.m., but balloon launches are scheduled for 7 or 7:30 a.m. this morning, weather permitting.
Balloons will launch from the park, and the public is welcome to watch.
Those attending will find many varieties of food, including the fire department’s own “Firehouse Grille,” featuring Pittsburgh Steak Sandwiches; many other types of food and treats; carnival rides; booths from area groups and event sponsors; and bingo sponsored by the fire department auxiliary from 4 p.m. till closing.
The day will conclude with fireworks by Pyrotechnico at 10 p.m. The price of admission is a donation, and carnival-ride tickets are available.
Angiolelli said that several local people serve as crew members for the balloonists, who come from a wide area. The crews of three to five people have several jobs, including stretching out the colorful fabric of the balloon, inspecting it, and inflating it before the pilot adds the warm air that lifts the balloon for takeoff. Once the balloon is in the air, the crews chase it, keeping it in sight so that they can pack it up when it lands.
Angiolelli said the weather during Balloon Quest has been good so far this year — dry and calm enough to allow launches each day since it started Thursday. One year, he recalled, there was so much rain, no launches took place.
Thousands of people attend the event each year, and balloon rides can be arranged with the pilots. Angiolelli noted, however, that the rides are quite costly because of the short life of the balloon’s “envelope” or fabric and the cost of propane.
Angiolelli has worked as a crew member for balloon events over the years and has taken several balloon rides. He said his best ride was over Westgate Plaza when he saw the rolling terrain of the area as he had never seen it before.
“You see deer running, hawks nesting in trees. You’re like a piece of paper in the wind,” he said.
Balloon Quest was started by local promoter Bob McCracken and some balloonists, Angiolelli said. It took place for a few years, then lapsed for several years before being taken over by the fire department. This year, the Galizia family is the main sponsor, with several local businesses also supporting the event.
To get to Balloon Quest, if you are traveling east on U.S. Route 224 from Poland, turn right at the traffic light at Scotland Lane, about a half-mile past Walmart. Traveling west from New Castle, Pa., on U.S. Route 224, turn left at Scotland Lane, then make another right at Municipal Drive. The park will be on the right.