July 4th Brings Balloon Rally, Fireworks and Fun in the Park to Raton

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

Friday Morning

Its that time again and this morning’s weather was great for ballooning as this reporter got to go up with Tom Gardner in Ajuua Dreamer. While the winds weren’t the most cooperative the flight was quiet and peaceful.

This year’s balloon rally looks to be another great year with 18 balloons and even a couple of sponsors from as far away as Tyler, Texas.

Stay tuned to KRTN as we will bring you updates with photos video and even on the radio remote broadcasts Saturday and Monday mornings.

Saturday Morning

Today;’s weather didn’t disappoint as the crowd gathered at the old La Mesa Airfield to watch, join in as crew or even get a ride as Raton’s very own Frankie Mahannah took to the skies with Balloon Pilot Loretta Zamora in Saki Bomber Saturday morning.

It was Frankie’s first ever balloon ride and as they prepared for lift off Frankie sported a grin from ear to ear. Not knowing what he was in for as he commented that all his friends were feeding all kinds of horror stories. But Frankie braved it and landed safely after a short flight. You see Frankie has a fear of heights and as most people who do have that fear find that a balloon ride doesn’t bother them at all. Frankie noted after the flight it didn’t bother him at all and he would do it again if given the chance.

After the flight Pilot Loretta Zamora commented on Frankie’s time in the air as he was great. She asked him if he wanted to go higher and he replied, “no this is fine.” You could tell that Frankie was filled with joy almost to a point of tears he was so happy as he recalled the flight. Zamora commented later that she had such a great time taking Frankie up, this is what it is all about, making memories.

16 of the 18 balloons took to the skies while a couple stayed behind to tether and give kids rides in the balloon. Chris Valentini also noted that they had a sponsor from as far away as Tyler, Texas this year. The Class of 1976 also sponsored a balloon so classmates who haven’t taken a ride, could. The Kowalskis also sponsored a balloon to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning brought another great day for the 2016 International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally at La Mesa Airfield in south Raton.

As balloonist gathered for the morning briefing a breeze began to blow but only lasted a few minutes delaying lift off of 16 balloons Sunday Morning. Once the wind died down balloons inflated and drifted off to the south south east of the field many ending up south of the airfield along the interstate. Janet Rusler inflated her balloon “Vacation” and gave tethered rides to the kiddos that had gathered on the field. To see the excitement and joy of these kids is quite a sight.

Monday Morning

Brenda Ferri, Raton MainStreet Executive Director, noted it has been another successful balloon rally Monday morning as balloonist and spectators gathered on the La Mesa Airfield for the final day of the 3-day event.

Again winds stiffened up as pilots gathered for the morning pilot’s briefing blowing in a southeasterly direction toward restricted ranch land. Pilot Jerry Graff noted that of all the rallies he flies at its hurry and get in the air but here in Raton its better to be patient and wait the wind will change as it did later in the morning. Several pilots delayed lift off allowing spectators and crew alike to visit and learn more about the sport of ballooning.

DJ Teddy Romero provided the music for the morning and the event. He brought along some fun for the kiddos with a hula hoop contest and shoe kicking contest each day and they even gathered enough participants for a tug of war on Saturday.

Once Pilots returned to the field they had a small closing ceremony bringing to an end the 2016 International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally.

Raton’s First Street came alive just before noon with the annual 4th of July parade moving north toward Ripley Park. This year’s Parade Marshals were, Oscar Nauta, Johnny Bacca, and Virgil Buscarini, all three gentlemen are WWII Veterans. The activities continued at Ripley Park with Fun in the Park. DJ Teddy Romero started the fun off with music and a hula hoop contest for the kiddos followed by a couple of tug of war contests.

Beverly Baca continued the music fun with Karaoke in the park followed by Levi Creek from Trinidad.