STATESVILLE (AP) — Balloonists from across the country are drifting over Statesville this weekend for the town’s annual festival.
The Statesville Record & Landmark reports the 39th Carolina BalloonFest began Friday at the Statesville Regional Airport. It continues through Sunday. Pilots come from across the nation and from several countries, and include the current national and world champion hot-air balloonists.
This year’s Balloonfest is dedicated to the memory of Edward Ristaino, a hot-air balloon pilot who died in March after his balloon was caught in a storm while taking skydivers up during a festival in Georgia.
Ristaino’s maneuvering and advice saved the divers, but he was forced to stay with his balloon. The 63-year-old was found dead three days later after his balloon crashed miles away from his landing site.