RSSA kaleidoscope of color over Prosser
Yakima Herald-Republic
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PROSSER -- Kathy Sizer didn't bring her own gloves, but it was OK.
Cheryl Isaacs was ready for her. The hot air balloon pilot keeps a dozen or so extra gloves on a rack in her trailer.
With that, Isaacs put Sizer to work pulling rope, unpacking equipment and stretching out the envelope of Padre Del Sol, the balloon that would soon soar over Prosser in a kaleidoscope of colors.
"I like new experiences," Sizer said.
On Friday, Sizer, 58, joined dozens of other local volunteers who often go unnoticed, but help the Great Prosser Balloon Rally happen.
While all eyes are cast upwards at the hot air balloons, its the crews and volunteers on the ground that help make it all possible. Eager to help, learn or just touch one of the rally's 30 balloons, they are event's unsung heroes.
The pilots at the 20th annual event, which continues today and Sunday at the Prosser airport, depend on local volunteers to help crews -- or chase balloons.
Crew members help launch, then follow along on roads while talking to the pilot by radio. After a landing, they pack away the gear and haul it back to the airport.
Kelly Carlson, this year's rally coordinator, said about 60 or so volunteers help crew each year.
Pilots joke that the wide-eyed spectators are easy pickings for free labor. "Crew's another word for working," Isaacs said.
Her husband and crew chief, Michael, said it usually take four people to launch and land the balloon.
Pilots make few promises, but if crew members are extra lucky, they might get a ride on the last day of the festival, Carlson said.
Today, balloonists will take up sponsors of the event. But on Sunday, pilots have more freedom, though they obviously can't take everybody.
Even so, most volunteers still enjoy helping on the ground.
"To be there and be a part of that is wonderful," Carlson said.
Sizer, an accountant and grandmother of four, works with a longtime balloon rally volunteer who suggested she try crewing.
Carlson paired her with Isaacs, who has flown in seven Prosser rallies.
The veteran pilot showed Sizer how to clip lines to the balloon basket with a carabiner, prop open the bottom of the balloon to let a fan inflate it and act as human ballast once Isaacs began burning propane to heat up the air.
It all went much faster than Sizer would have guessed.
"I didn't know what was involved," she said.
Lower Valley residents Brian Michener, 16, and Kevin Munck, 14, joined Sizer partway through the launch process.
It beats just standing around and watching, said Michener, who has crewed for balloon pilots for the past six years.
"It's much more personal when you're involved," he said. "You learn a lot about them."
A few other spectators offered to pitch in, but Isaacs turned them down. She appreciates the help and enjoys teaching but must set limits for safety reasons, she said.
"I like having people help but I want to make sure they're doing it right," she said.
The Isaacs asked Sizer to help again Sunday with her husband Dean, a grape and apple grower. They did not promise anybody a ride.
That's OK with Sizer, who said she would bring her own gloves.
"If nothing else, helping is a lot of fun," Sizer said.
* Ross Courtney can be reached at 509-930-8798 or rcourtney@yakimaherald.com.
IF YOU GO ...
WHAT: The Great Prosser Balloon Rally
WHEN: The rainbow colored balloons take flight today and Sunday with sunrise launches, weather permitting of course.
WHERE: Spectators are urged to arrive at the Prosser Airport early (about 6:15 a.m.) to watch the pilots prepare the balloons at sunrise.
HOW MUCH: It's free.
ALSO: The rally will also include a Night Glow at dusk this evening. Balloons will be anchored and illuminated at Art Fiker Stadium to display their colors against the night sky. Free admission. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
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