Balloonmeister keeps festival flying
When hot air balloons take to the skies over Washington County May 2 – 4, Bill Whidden, of Kissimee, Fla., will be the man in charge. Whidden, a 27-year veteran of balloon festivals, will serve as Balloonmeister of the upcoming Touchstone Energy Balloon Festival.
The term "balloonmeister," first used over 200 years ago in Germany, originally referred to the person responsible for inflating the gas balloons with hydrogen. However, balloons today are normally filled with hydrogen, and the "balloonmeister" title has taken on an entirely different meaning. In his official capacity at the Touchstone Energy Balloon Festival, Whidden will act as a sort of "flight director" for the event, overseeing safe flight operations and ensuring all the balloonists are aware of local weather forecasts, topographical features and other conditions that can affect flight.
Since he began ballooning in the early 1980's, Whidden has made a favorite recreational activity his profession. Initially concentrating on competitive ballooning, in which he typically finished among the top ten, he and his wife, Trish, ultimately turned their attention to the festival venue. They now attend from 20 to 30 events annually throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe and, most recently, New Zealand.
Active in all phases of ballooning, Bill serves as Balloonmeister for many events, sell balloons for a major dealer and provides flight instruction and safety seminars. He and Trish have logged over 1,800 hours of flight time and 500 hours of tethered time.
Free flights and tethered rides, as well as the spectacular balloon Night Glow, will be among the main attractions at the festival in May. The event also will feature helicopter rides, skydiving demonstrations by the School of Human Flight, the Alain Zerbini Circus, Phoenix Carousel Carnival, arts and crafts, live music by local artists, food and concessions and more. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 with military ID and $2 for children ages 6 – 12. Call the Washington County Tourist Development Council at 535-9779 or log on to for tickets or additional information.
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