Hot Air Balloon Pilots Visit Starline Elementary And Surrounding Schools

By Janet Cruz

Students and staff at Lake Havasu City’s Starline Elementary, along with surrounding schools, got a quick lesson on ballooning thanks to hot air balloon pilots that paid a visit Thursday morning.

“We like to give the kids a little information about hot air balloons and having them walk around and check out the balloon burner,” said the pilot of “Sensational” hot air balloon, Kathy Reineke. “We also have the teachers come and check out the balloon as well.”

Starline Principal Ginny Sautner and Balloon Pilots of “Sensational” Hot Air Balloon at Starline Elementary Thursday morning. Janet Cruz/ RiverScene

Every year, volunteer pilots gather at Lake Havasu-area schools to give teachers and students a close up look of their hot air balloons ahead of the annual balloon festival. Not only to educate but to entertain students as well.

“We are always so excited to have this tradition take place when the balloon festival comes to town,” said Starline Elementary Principal Ginny Sautner. “For some students, it’s the only time they get to see one up close.”

The 14th annual Lake Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair, hosted by Rotary clubs, Daybreakers Lions club and nonprofit Kwanis club, runs now through Sunday.

The festival is sponsored and presented by Anderson Toyota and various sponsors at Lake Havasu State Park, located at 171 London Bridge Road, Windsor 4.

For more information visit http://havasuballoonfestival.com for tickets and for complete schedule of events.

“Balloon day is always a great day whenever the festival comes to town,” Sautner said.