By Janet Cruz

Local Havasu area schools  and students got a special visit from hot air balloon pilots Thursday morning, as the Balloon Festival sponsored By Anderson Toyota, kicked off day one in Lake Havasu City.

Every year, hot air balloon pilots make their way to local schools to give students a close up look at a hot air balloon, demonstrate the set up, and explain to students what it takes to take flight.

“I love visiting schools and their programs,” said Jeff Haliczar, Balloon Pilot from Nevada.  “It’s a fun place to be.”

Starline Elementary students watching Balloons Thursday Morning / Janet Cruz Riverscene

Area schools work with the local Rotary clubs and the Balloon Festival organization to make it happen. Lake Havasu resident Becky Goldberg helps coordinate the visits at not only schools within the Lake Havasu School District, but colleges and private schools in Lake Havasu City as well.

“Humpty Dumpty” Balloons at Starline Elementary  Janet Cruz / Riverscene

“I know this has been a tradition at the school.  My own children would see this at school when they attended Starline,” said Ginny Sautner Principal at Starline Elementary.

Havasupai Elementary Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene

In order to tie in hot air balloons into the classroom, prior to the pilots visits many students learn about hot air balloons and also create crafts to enhance their learning. Going outside to actually view one seems to be a special treat for students.

Students at Havasu Prep Academy with pilot Sheldon Grauberger /submitted photo

“It’s so cool,”  said  Koshua Martinez third-grader at Starline Elementary.  “I have seen other balloons but not this one,” he said.

“I think it’s cool they come to show everyone the balloons,” said Audrina Soater third-grader at Starline Elementary.

Other area schools included  our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mohave Community College, Havasu Preparatory Academy ,Telesis and  more.

Students at Lake Havasu High School watch four balloons take off from the the field Thursday morning. Jillian Danielson/RIverScene

“I think it’s a beautiful opportunity for all children to be able to see a balloon close up,” said Sautner

The 12th Annual Balloon Festival and Fair resumes Friday at noon. For more information and full schedule visit https://havasuballoonfestival.com/

View more pictures below of the pilots and balloons at several schools Thursday morning.

Students at Nautilus Elementary / Shannon Williams

Thunderbolt Middle School / Submitted Photo

Havasupai Samantha Zasadil/RiverScene