By Becky Maxedon

As the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair approaches, there is one member of the organizing team who is extra busy.

That person is the balloonmeister.

And the balloonmeister for this premier Lake Havasu event is Gary Moore.

“The balloonmeister is responsible for all things involved with flight operations, running a pilot briefing before each scheduled flight operation to give pilots all current information, working with current forecasts and local experience to decide if we fly or do not fly, working with the FAA to include an FAA waiver for the event, which allows us to vary a few things with required altitudes, creating a pilot manual to give an overview of all things ballooning,” Moore said.

And that sounds like a pretty big job.

Havasu Balloon Festival’s Balloonmeister Gary Moore and his wife Diana Moore, who is also his crew chief. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Moore said he became interested in ballooning in 1989.

“In 1989, I purchased a balloon ride at the Danville, Ill., balloon festival,” he said.

 “In talking with my pilot and others at the event, they told great stories of travel and flying balloons.”

Moore was within seven years of a retirement from a GM foundry, and wondered if ballooning could be a next phase of life.

“I started lessons in April of 1991, and received my commercial license in June of 1992. It turned into much more than I ever dreamed. 

“Since then, my wife Diana and I have flown in 24 countries, 40 of the 50 US states, flown balloons for Kelloggs in The Tony The Tiger balloon program, Anheuser Busch in the Select 55 Beer Bottle, Remax balloon in the Las Vegas region. I have flown  a dozen or so special shape balloons, including three we have owned.”

The Gr-r-0r-eat Tony Balloon. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

The couple owns Wanderlust Balloons, which provides balloon rides. “We do this in Lake Havasu from around mid-October to the beginning of May.”

And just how is the event organized?

Moore said, “The balloons that come to our event, must put in a pilot application. If they are accepted, they get a pilot pack, lodging for the event and propane provided. 

“After 14 years, we still have some pilots that have been to all of them and a long list of pilots that would like to come,” Moore said.

Gary Moore flies over Lake Havasu in his balloon Darkside 2020. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“There is something about coming to Lake Havasu in the winter months. Perhaps it has to do with where they come from – Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Canada, The U.K., Belgium, Germany, Colorado, Idaho, just to mention a few. Some pilots now come in early and stay after.”

So while all the festival goers marvel at the event, it’s good to know that the balloonmeister is in the background, keeping everything on track – or in the air.

The Lake Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair presented by Anderson Toyota begins Jan. 22 and runs through Jan. 25. For more information, including parking, admission and more, visit https://havasuballoonfestival.com.

To book a ride outside of the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair with Wanderlust Balloons, visit wanderlustballoons.com

The Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair starts January 22-25, 2026. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Gary Moore teaches a child at a mini-night glow about ballooning Sunday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Gary Moore and his crew inflate his balloon “Voluntold” Sunday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Gary Moore as Balloon meister at the 2013 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Woodrow C. Greenleaf, the Moore’s first special shape balloon. Photo Courtesy Gary Moore

“Voluntold” is Gary and Diana Moore’s newest special shape. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Owlbert” and “Timepeace” glow at a Havasu Balloon Festival Nightglow. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene