FLY AWAY CONNER PRAIRIE TO HOST BALLOON FESTIVAL
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Conner Prairie
“Jesse’s magic touch made it all come together,” says Christine DeJoy, director of public affairs for Conner Prairie.
In 1859, a crowd gathered in Lafayette, Indiana, to watch the Jupiter balloon take its inaugural flight. Piloted by inventor John Wise, the Jupiter provided the first successful airmail delivery in the U.S. For years Conner Prairie has invited guests to enjoy an 1859 Balloon Voyage on the 105’ balloon, which is as tall as an eight-story building.
The brand-new balloon will reflect the colors of the new branding. As an unveiling of sorts, Conner Prairie is hosting the Conner Prairie Balloon Festival from July 15 to 18. Admission to the festival requires a separate ticket unless you are a member, in which case you get in for free.
The actual balloon itself is referred to as a balloon envelope, constructed from long nylon sections called gores. These envelopes need to be replaced every seven to eight years. It was recently time to replace the one at Conner Prairie, which happened to coincide with the rebranding of Conner Prairie as well as the receipt of a grant that enabled them to reimagine the entire exhibit. Jesse Kramer, director of exhibits, came up with design and content ideas.
The festival kicks off on the evening of July 15 when, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., they will have the balloon glow, which will feature between 15 and 20 hot-air balloons. “It’s after-hours in the evening,” DeJoy says. “Like a typical balloon festival that takes place out west in places like Arizona, the glow is at night after the sun has set. We will light the balloons, fill them up,
36 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / JULY 2021 / TownePost.com
