"I looked at a little bit of weather this morning and I was concerned about the direction (of wind) because it was toward Canton, and it would be kind of slow. If you can't get past the city, there's no place to really land in the city," said Lorentz, of Marlboro Township. Mike Lorentz, one of the pilots, said he was disappointed he couldn't fly his balloon, a colorful patchwork of fabric named "Wasting Time," though he understood why the decision was made. Pilot Henry Rosenbaum of Mechanicsville, Virginia, floats the Pro Football Hall of Fame sponsored balloon at the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic's media flight on Friday morning. More balloon events are set for Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Some remained on the ground while others hovered slightly above it, tethered by cables. Pilots at the Balloon Classic were still able to inflate their balloons on a field near the campuses of Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College. It didn't stop pilots and balloon fans from enjoying the fun designs and bright colors of the roughly 50 balloons at the event.Ģ021 Balloon Classic: Balloon Classic kicks off at Kent State / Stark campuses The flight was canceled for the second year in a row after it became clear that wind conditions weren't conducive for safe flying patterns. – As balloonists and spectators gathered early Friday morning for the media flight portion of the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic, there was something noticeably absent from the skies: the balloons. Balloon Classic fireworks at the Kent State and Stark State campuses.Ħ:30 to 7 a.m. Balloon Classic launch (weather permitting).Pilot Mike Lorentz, of Marlboro Township, prepares his balloon, "Wasting Time," to inflate for the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic's media flight on Friday. (weather permitting) and the night glow is at 9 p.m.ġ0 p.m. (weather permitting) and the night glow is at 9 p.m.Ĩ a.m. Up, Up & Away 5k and Free Kids Fun Run at the Kent State University at Stark campus.Ĥ p.m. Balloon Classic will feature balloon-related activities, skydivers and live music. Balloon Classic will feature balloon-related activities, skydivers and live music. Here's the schedule:Ħ:30 a.m. Balloon Classic launch (weather permitting).Ĥ p.m. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic presented by Aultman will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College campuses in Jackson Township. It's an opportunity to experience what most people don't get to experience." It's one of the unique activities we humans get to do. If you ever get the chance to go up in a balloon, take it. You never have the same experience twice. "You have fun every single time," he said. Too much movement can mean it's too risky.īut Miller said there's nothing like guiding a hot air balloon through the skies. With an eye on the weather forecasts, pilots also look to the tops of the trees for guidance. What may look like a pleasant, sunny day to others may not be conducive to flying because of wind speed. He's been on crew, a commercial pilot, and now, on the national level."īen Miller of Alliance, who has loved hot air balloons since he was 5, built his own craft, which will fly in the Hall of Fame Balloon Classic this week.īalloon pilots see the weather differently than other people. "It takes a lot of time, a lot of paperwork and a lot patience. "Ben's a great guy I'm so happy for him," she said. In June, Ben Miller competed for the first time in the U.S. Team Nationals in Shreveport, Louisiana, flying with and against 15 of the country's best pilots, where he earned fifth place.ĭavidson said it's rare for a pilot to build a balloon, which has to be certified by the FAA. 'It takes a lot of time, a lot of paperwork and a lot of patience.' "The first time I saw it, I was blown away," a proud Bill Miller said. The balloon's white motif pays homage to the Greek flag, representing his ex-wife's heritage. "One is really interested, the other isn't,'" he said with smile. Today, twins Spencer and Sawyer, 8, are healthy. "My daughters were born at 29 weeks and spent 55 days in the NICU at Akron Children's Hospital." "The purple represents the ribbons commemorating preemies," he said. Made from nylon and double-stitched seams, Miller said the balloon's colors and pattern have special meaning. Back in the 1990s, Ben Miller of Alliance was featured in the Canton Repository because of his great love for hot air balloons.
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