Mayday. Mayday. Hot air balloon pilots plead for help this weekend, and that’s no lofty request.
The Cortez Rendezvous Hot Air Balloon Rally descends on the area this weekend, but in order to dot the skies over Cortez with inflatable colors, hot air balloon pilots are searching for volunteers. Crew members are needed to assist with both launches and landings. The Rendezvous will be held Aug. 2-4 at Parque de Vida.
“It’s a fun experience to lend a hand to balloon pilots,” said volunteer coordinator Trish Peters.
Launching volunteers are required to check in at 6:30 a.m. pilot briefings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers are urged to bring gloves and wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Landing volunteers are also needed. While flying at the mercy of the winds, pilots must seek clear spaces to safely land, and touchdown could occur in someone’s back yard, Peters said. Individuals are needed to signal pilots for landing their balloons, she explained. Those willing to allow a balloon to land in their yard should simply lay out a white sheet as a signal.
A welcome party for pilots is scheduled at Blondie’s Trophy Room on Main Street starting at 6 p.m. Thursday.
For additional information, contact Cookie See at 505-977-2679.