First ‘Saluting Heroes’ balloon rally is this weekend

This Friday and Saturday, the Hodag Countryfest grounds in Rhinelander will host the first Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally.

“It’s the first ever summer balloon rally in the Northwoods,” event co-organizer Steve Woller said. “We do have over 25 balloons coming and we are trying to make enough money in a year or two to replace one of the cabins at Camp American Legion. It’s basically a ‘balloon glow,’ is what we call it.”

The Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally is set to take place this Friday and Saturday with gates opening at 4 p.m. both days. 

“To get balloons to come to the Northwoods is pretty tough,” Woller said, although he acknowledged the hot air balloon community worldwide is relatively small and “we all know each other.”

He said a few of the hot air balloonists who will be in Rhinelander this weekend attended the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in at Oshkosh last week with a few of them coming from as far away as Florida. 

“We’re honoring veterans and first responders,” Woller said of his non-profit organization and he noted there will be booths for non-profit groups at the event including the Northwoods Veterans Homestead and Habitat For Humanity. 

This weekend’s event will also feature activities for kids, live bands — Trainwreck Jukebox Friday night and Rising Star Saturday night — and tethered balloon rides, weather permitting.

Art Start will have an arts and crafts tent. 

Woller’s wife, Nancy, said at some point, a “We Salute You” award will be presented to an area veteran. 

“We have a very special recipient who is very deserving,” she said.

The “big show,” Steve Woller said, begins at 8 p.m. when the crews begin inflating the balloons for the balloon glow. 

“For the balloon glow, we have our music orchestrated so it’s really ... pretty overwhelming, I guess,” he said.

“It’ll be a really nice family event,” Nancy Woller said.

Admission is $10 per person and there is no admission charge for children 6 years old and younger. 

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].