Early risers rewarded with a treat for eyes, spirit

RIPON — The sky over the Northern San Joaquin Valley was colorful Saturday morning as more than a dozen hot air balloons lifted off from here shortly after dawn.

The ascent marked the beginning of the fifth annual Color the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival.

At 6 a.m., about a dozen crews began setting out the baskets, propane burners, control lines and multicolored bags necessary to get their crafts airborne.

A stream of early risers flowed into the Mistlin Sports Park at Jack Tone and River roads to watch the spectacle.

For Charlene Holley of Modesto it was a chance to see hot air ballooning up close.

"I'm excited. One thing on my bucket list is to go for a ride in a hot air balloon," Holley said, adding, "with the love of my life and a bottle of champagne, of course."

Ripon Elementary School teacher Texas Keo was there to experience hot air ballooning firsthand.

Keo said she wanted to support the festival because it's a fund-raiser for Children's Hospital Central California in Madera.

The event includes food vendors, arts and crafts booths, tethered balloon rides, music and kite-flying exhibitions.

But the balloons were the main attraction.

By 6:30 a.m., some were being filled, and in an hour most were up and away to the cheers of 3,000 or so who were snapping pictures, shooting video or just taking it all in.

One of those taking to the sky was the green-hued Clear Balloon of the Clearwire Corp., a high-speed Internet service provider. One of two Clearwire has, the West Coast balloon is piloted by Doug Campbell of Las Vegas, a veteran of 41 years.

Brother Rod Campbell, who runs the ground crew, said they enjoy coming to the Ripon event because it's fun and benefits a good cause. He said Mistlin, with its wide open launch site, is ideal for pilots to take to the sky safely.

"Some of the places we fly out of have a lot of power lines around," he said.

It was the thought of all those brightly colored balloons that brought out Dan and Deanna Brannon, along with their 11-week-old son, Luke.

"We just thought it would be fun with the little guy. He's really interested in the lights and colors right now," Dan Brannon said. "This is a cheap, fun family outing."

And the best part is, especially for those who missed it Saturday, that the balloonists do it all over again today.

Today's events go from 6 a.m.- 1p.m. at Mistlin Sports Park, Jack Tone and River roads, Ripon. Free admission; $5 parking fee. Tethered balloon rides are $10.

Bee City Editor David W. Hill can be reached at dhill@modbee.com or 578-2336.