Event to be held at Camp Jordan, tethered rides will be offered
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – There were plenty of residents who wanted to catch a ride in a hot air balloon Friday night or just watch those in the air with the fading sunset, but Mother Nature had other plans
Although Friday’s weather kept the fleet grounded, the event organizer remains optimistic for the weekend ahead.
The family-friendly Glow Balloon Event is back at East Ridge once again.
Throughout the weekend, residents of all ages can enjoy tons of food vendors, bounce houses, and of course, tethered hot air balloon rides.
“A lot of people don’t know what a rope ride is, but this gives you the opportunity to go up and down in a hot air balloon,” event director Vicki Fogue said. “But it’s tethered to the ground, so you won’t actually be flying over the city. They’re just getting a taste of what it’s like to be in a hot air balloon.”
Fogue says the East Ridge community has always been welcoming to the event, which he sees as a perfect show for those who can’t attend larger events, such as the Albuquerque New Mexico International Balloon Festival.
It’s a weekend that not only features a variety of hot air balloons, but also a variety of pilots, including 20-year-old Connor Fogue, Vicki’s son.
“It’s a fun experience,” Fogue said. “I was always told about my grandmother, ‘something new and different is always good’ – that was Grandma Ballon, of course.”
Fear of heights is neither uncommon nor unwelcome among visitors.
Fogue says that during his time overseeing the festival, he’s seen residents throw caution to the wind and face their fears.
“I’ve had people hang on white-knuckle, hang on the uprights, and they’re scared to death until they get out,” Fogue said. “This lady I picked up the other night, she squealed the whole time and I said, ‘just take a deep breath, look outside,’ and she was so glad she did and ticked it off her bucket list that got it. go in a hot air balloon.”
For those who aren’t afraid to hit the skies and take a ride this weekend, the event will be held on both Saturday and Sunday at Camp Jordan from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Connor Vogue says if there are still lines at the last minute, they’re not afraid to stay open a little longer.
