Elkhart County 4H Fair Balloon Chase Sunday Brunch

This morning was the balloon chase brunch. The brunch included a ton of food including chicken, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, French toast, eggs, fruit, and pie. The brunch is for all pilots and crew. The crew usually consists of 4-8 individuals that help launch the balloon and chase the balloon as well. In the previous post you can see some of the hard work that is required to launch the balloon. The brunch is also open to all sponsors. They have awards to all the winners for those who are able to get closest to the x. The first balloon to launch lands about 2-3 miles from launch and they place a large x on the ground (usually around the airport). This x is then a goal to toss your balloonists small bean bag. The closest to the x within 250 feet wins. Someone actually made it within 1.4 feet early this morning. Anything outside of 250 feet is not counted. The guy that tossed the bean bag this morning was at 400 foot. That is an amazing feat to throw a bean bag from 400 feet and have it land 1.4 feet away from the x.

Gene Stutzman is in charge of the balloon chase for Elkhart County 4H Fair. Shown in this photo he is handing out awards.