throughout the Treasure Valley this time of year, the fading days of summer meet the early days of autumn at the intersection of Ann Morrison Park and the Spirit of boise balloon classic that takes place in the boise city center area.  

The 34-year old Classic is a major crowd pleaser throughout the region and known nationwide. It begins on the last Tuesday of August leading into the Labor Day weekend greeting commuters everyday with a ribbon of colored balloons hovering over the city skies as residents make their way to work, school and daily errands.

One of those pilots joining the cast of 34 balloons this year is Lewin Williams from Reno Nevada.  he’s been coming to boise for the event 15 years now. Williams, 73, said he got roped into ballooning after his first free ride 35 years ago and he’s been floating the balloon circuit from Boise, reno and the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico ever since.

most people enjoy seeing the balloons seemingly drift through the sky effortlessly all week during the classic. few see the frantic pace beforehand as ground crews and pilots get the balloons ready to launch every day. ground crews and pilots begin their day in the early morning hours, well before 5:00 a.m. preparing the balloons to fly, attending their daily briefings, and managing all the details needed to make sure everything happens in a safe way.  While bystanders are watching balloons inflate, taking photographs and selfies at a feverish pace, ground crews are dashing around the balloons moving equipment, attaching ropes, checking radio communications with pilots and keeping things safe and fun for everyone. Lewin is quick to acknowledge that his ground crews are the most important element in the equation. “ they keep me successful as a pilot, “ said williams.

In Boise, Williams ground crew is composed of four men; crew chief ric bobier, bruce drewes, bob Julian and Joe sumpter. williams, bobier, drewes and Julian are all masons and members of the shriners organization. Joe sumpter, who has worked with williams for 4 years now said he just showed up one day and the crew took him in. his goal is to become a pilot himself.

the first day of the classic was cancelled due to rain. the next three days were clear, sunny with light winds for good balloon flying. but on Sunday, the last day of the event, the prevailing winds above Ann Morrison Park were moving faster than regulations allow and the launch of balloons into sky above boise was also cancelled. to compensate, the balloon pilots and ground crews stood the balloons in the park and welcomed the public to ask questions, take photographs and close out the event.