Up in flames

PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

Geysers of fire ignited the night skies throughout Union Township's Scotland Meadows Park yesterday.

The concentrated plumes of flames, rising more than 30 feet high, generated a glow of delight among the visitors to the 2005 Western Pennsylvania BalloonQuest.

Five hot-air balloons with colorful names - Kaleidoscope, Indecision, Aida, Stairway to Heaven and Spohn-taneous - helped to open the annual four-day event. The event is presented by the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, with corporate sponsorship from The New Honda City and Hot 101.

Patrons directed their cameras - video, digital, manual and phone - at the objects of their glee within the roped-off launch field.

"Do we need to get another Kodak moment tonight?" the event announcer asked the crowd.

Plenty of opportunities presented themselves. With direction from the announcer, the balloons lighted in varied sequences. The glow is what generated excitement among those present.

Sharon residents Tony and Judi Brozovich attended BalloonQuest for the first time. As they watched the crews work with their balloons, they expressed admiration for what the festival had to offer.

"I think this is a lot nicer than (other festivals)," Tony Brozovich said.

While he prefers to watch the balloonists, Brozovich's wife recalled the joy of traveling in a hot-air balloon. Her lone trip was a one-hour excursion in Virginia.

"It's wonderful," Judi Brozovich said. "It's very relaxing. It's very quiet."

Her only fear?

"Just when we landed," she said, laughing.

While the overall attitude was one of enjoyment, Union's volunteer fire department patrolled the grounds for potential safety problems. Firefighters were also stationed along the perimeter of the launch field.

"The balloons are powered by propane," said Union fire Chief Randy Conti. "Propane is the type of gas where it doesn't go up like other gases. It stays low.

"We basically monitor the area to keep people out and to make sure people aren't smoking in the area."

A balloonist himself, Conti has been involved with BalloonQuest since its inception in 1989.

"Balloonists in general are very, very nice people," he said. "It's just a lot of fun."

With more than 15 years' experience, Conti has served on balloon crews for company's such as Korbel Champagne, TBS and Planters. For the past seven years, he has been crew chief for Louis Merryman's Stairway to Heaven.

Although admittance and parking to the event are free, Conti said the festival helps raise money for department needs, such as fire equipment, insurance and utility costs. As the crowds grow larger throughout the weekend, Union firefighters will be passing along a fire boot to collect contributions.

Despite reports of rain, Conti plans on clear skies for the 20-plus balloons that will be at the festival.

"I think we're going to have a beautiful weekend," he said. "I think positive. I don't turn the weather report on."

Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News