An Odd Place for a Dip
Balloon caught touching Mon before landing
Morgantown Dominion Post
13 October 2009
Traci Morris, of Morgantown, took this photo at
about 6 p.m. Saturday during the balloon launch at the University
Motors Mountaineer Balloon Festival. Morris said she and her two
children have "chased" the balloons each year at the festival. They saw
several balloons land on the banks of the Monongahela River in
Granville. but this one. "actually dipped down in the river and then
back up." - Suhmitted photo
Residents around Granville and U.S. 19 south of Morgantown got a
look at hot air balloons Sunday as several balloonists launched twice —
once in the morning and again in the evening— during the final day of
the University Motors Mountaineer Balloon Festival.
The festival — held at Mylan Park — kicked off Thursday with Night
Glow. Despite rain. several balloonists ht up the dark skies with their
balloons.
Poor weather conditions Friday and Saturday morning kept the balloons
from flying. but brighter skies and lighter winds allowed the 34
balloons to take flight Saturday evening and twice Sunday.
In its 25th year. the balloon festival brings hat air balloon pilots
from several states to Monongalia County fora four-day festival that
includes carnival rides, food vendors and the balloons. This year, a
softball tournament. horseshoe-pitching and an Oktoberfest were added.