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The balloons are coming -- again!

By ROBERT ROE, Contributing Writer

Thursday, October 9, 2008 12:30 AM EDT

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The balloons are coming back.

The Buffalo Trace Balloon Race committee is already making plans for next year’s event. The date for the race is July 31 and Aug. 1, 2009. Last year, the Women’s Crisis Center received $48,000 in proceeds from the event. Applications are now being accepted from non-profit groups in the Buffalo Trace Area as possible recipients of 2009 event proceeds. Interested groups can download an application and guidelines at http://www.buffalotraceballoonrace.com.

Aberdeen resident Tom Birt is the new president of the Balloon Race, succeeding Pam McGlone, who stepped down after a two-year term in September. Birt, project manager at Carmeuse Lime and Stone, is excited about the prospects of the 2009 race.

“It is a truly unique event for the area,” Birt said, “and a chance to have a positive impact on people’s lives within the community."

Birt sees the Balloon Race as a fun way to deal with serious issues in our area.

“Because of its tremendous success, the Balloon Race has given CASA funds to provide services to neglected and abused children, and the Women’s Crisis Center funds to provide crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape.”

“These agencies deal with heart wrenching issues that affect many people within our community on a daily basis,” Birt said. “That should be a concern to all of us. While the race proceeds will not solve all their problems, it will provide an additional source of revenue to support much needed services.”

Along with his volunteer work with the Balloon Race, Birt devotes time to the Mason County Search and Rescue Team and the Knights of Columbus.

From early on Birt felt the race had the potential to grow into a long-term event.

“I’ve been impressed with the number of community volunteers who give countless hours of their time to ensure the success of the Balloon Race,” Birt said. “I’m overwhelmed by the attendance at each year’s race. We’ve seen two to three times the crowd we had hoped for and I think this says a lot about both the generosity of our community and the quality of the festival.”

According to Birt, ”Our balloon pilots, many of whom attend several events each year, are already describing it as one of the best that they go to and our food and arts/crafts vendors say it is one of their favorites. While our primary objective is to raise money for non-profit groups, we also want to give the public fun, family-oriented entertainment at a reasonable price.”

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

To WHO CARES... wrote on Oct 14, 2008 10:42 PM:

" Did you even read the story to know that the proceeds go to help abused children and victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape. That is one of the worlds biggest problems if you ask me. I am really hoping you didn't read the story because it's hard for me to believe anyone could be that heartless!!! "

Who cares wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:19 PM:

" Who really cares about the balloons when this world is in such a mess? "

Hal wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:25 PM:

" A wonderful event that provides much needed funding for the rape crisis center! Way to go folks! "

Robert Milward wrote on Oct 9, 2008 3:30 PM:

" Congratulations to Tom Birt on his move to the top spot. I have worked with Tom on a couple of projects and he is a top notch, hard working guy.
Pam had the vision and has worked very hard to bring over $78,000.00 to a couple of great organizations. Thanks Pam and good luck to Tom. "

karen killen wrote on Oct 9, 2008 2:38 PM:

" This is most defiantly one of the worthiest fund raisers around! While raising money for a much deserving cause the festival provided some good wholesome fun which all families can enjoy. I was able to attend both years so far and highly recommend it to anyone. My next hope is to get to ride in the balloon race! I have taken over 500 picts. at each show. there is so much to see. Winning 3rd place in the photo contest was the icing on the cake for me.Hope to see everyone there July 31 or aug 1st 2009! "

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