More than 40 hot air balloons piloted by professionals from across North America will take to the Mesquite skies later this month, but they’ll need help getting off the ground.
Organizers of the Mesquite Balloon Festival announced Monday the event is still searching for as many as 100 volunteers to assist on Friday, Jan. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 27, to help pilots unload their balloons from trailers, lay the balloons on a tarp, and hold them steady while they prepare for takeoff.
Volunteering requires about three hours a day, and volunteers can choose to work any or each of the three days, said event spokesman Christian Adderson. In return, volunteers may get the chance to ride in a balloon.
“Our volunteers really help make this unique event possible,” Adderson said. “It’s a great opportunity and we’ve seen a lot of our volunteers also become friends with the pilots.”
No previous training is required to participate, Adderson said, and volunteers’ responsibilities will vary based on pilots’ individual needs. Some volunteers will also be commissioned to participate in the balloons’ chase crews, which involves driving a vehicle around the city to follow the balloon once it has launched.
The eighth-annual event won’t allow members of the public to purchase their way into a balloon ride, Adderson said, but pilots “try to take as many volunteers as possible” for a ride in the basket at some point during the weekend.
At least three morning balloon launches will take place each day of the festival, starting at 7:30 a.m. in a parking lot across the street from the CasaBlanca resort. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here.