NUNDA – Kevin Raymond chose to spend a long time on the ground following the tragic passing of his friend and fellow teacher, Ryan Almeter, in a balloon flying accident in June 2016. Now, Raymond, himself a balloon pilot, is flying private rides high above Letchworth State Park, the land and waters they both loved, all year round. "Now, we're doing rides all year long. Flying is what Ryan loved to do. That's my motivation," said Raymond. … [Read more...]
Dansville Baloon Fest Soars into 35th Year this Weekend
DANSVILLE – Dansville's annual Festival of Balloons takes flight this weekend, marking 35 years celebrating the big, buoyant aircraft. According to a press release from the Dansville Festival of Balloons, they anticipate six balloon launches, weather dependent. "Along with beautiful weather, this year’s festival is likely to be ranked as one of the best yet," said the Festival in the release. "Join us for this exciting tradition! Be a part … [Read more...]
Mourning Community Raises $7K for Keshequa Teacher after Balloon Accident
NUNDA — A GoFund.me page has been set up in Ryan Altmeter, 34, a Keshequa school teacher who died tragically in a hot air balloon accident Saturday evening. Currently, the fund has reached over $7,000 worth of donations to help Altmeter's family, and has a final goal of $10,000. During a routine balloon landing on Saturday, the balloon that Altmeter was holding by a rope was caught by a gust of wind and took flight. After climbing to about 100 … [Read more...]
Hot Air Balloon in Letchworth State Park Takes Magnificent Ride Over Middle Falls
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK — Yesterday, local photographer Jim Vallee, caught spectacular images of a hot air balloon descending over middle falls in the park. Vallee is a part time Travel / Landscape and Stock Photographer. He sells some of his images through stock photography agencies. His work has appeared in articles and magazines around the world and in numerous books. Shutterbugs and nature lovers will have a great opportunity on Saturday … [Read more...]
WATCH: Balloons Buzz as Hot Air Balloon Festival Takes Flight
DANSVILLE — The New York State Festival of Balloons successfully launched it's Friday evening flight as enthusiasts relished the site of balloons flying in the sky. At one point officials were not sure if the launch would take place due to high winds but thanks to calming winds nearly 20 balloons took to the sky. There are two launches schedule for tomorrow weather permitting at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In the video below at the 2:38 mark you … [Read more...]
WATCH: New York State Hot Air Balloon Festival Starts With a Glow
DANSVILLE — The New York State Festival of Balloons 34th Anniversary event is officially underway with their Thursday night Glow ceremony in the books. The evening consisted of 8 balloons that stayed grounded but glowing with light as the sun set for spectators and children to enjoy. The next launch will be Friday evening at 6 p.m. from the Dansville Municipal Airport. For an event schedule click HERE. … [Read more...]
WATCH: Balloon Rides Memorialize Mom and Touch Dansville
DANSVILLE – At an emotional but beautiful ceremony and memorial for Eileen Lill, who sadly passed away on Friday, the Dansville community got to see and ride in a hot air balloon before the Balloon Fest, one of Eileen's favorite times of the year. Eileen's daughter, Debbie, contacted the organizers of the Dansville Balloon Festival, and they put her in touch with balloon pilot and Carroll Teitsworth, owner of the Remax Hometown Choice … [Read more...]
Balloon Visit Becomes Touching Memorial for Dansville Mom
DANSVILLE – Tuesday's scheduled hot air balloon visit to an elderly local mom has in a sad turn of events become a touching memorial service. Eileen Lill, 67, passed away on Friday awaiting a special visit from a hot air balloon at her house on Tuesday, but her daughter Debbie and the organizers of the Dansville Festival of Balloons have decided to continue on with the event in memory of Eileen, who loved to see the balloons fly high over her … [Read more...]
Shutterbug’s Delight with Letchworth State Park Hot Air Balloon Festival
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK — Spectacular photo opportunities will be available this Memorial Day Weekend in Letchworth State Park as 30 hot air balloons launch from the Archery Field Overlook and float into the Canyons of Letchworth State Park during the 14th Annual Red, White & Blue Balloon Festival. The Festival will be hosted Friday, May 22-Monday, May 25 with six scheduled flights: May 22 at 6PM; May 23 and May 24 at 6AM and 6PM; and May 25 … [Read more...]