Checkered Past

May 17, 2018

Pilot: Russell Wells
Keen Pump

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Ashland BalloonFest is with Shanon Donnelly.

1 month ago

We are proud to announce: the Saturday evening Glow at our event will be re-named "The John Moran Memorial Glow." This morning at the Awards Brunch, the committee announced also that they would provide scholarship monies for four teens (ages 13-18) to attend the Balloon Federation of America summer camp for junior balloonist in memory of John Moran. #AshlandBalloonFest

Photo: courtesy of @DeanDavidson ... See MoreSee Less

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Ashland BalloonFest

1 month ago

Clipped from Balloonist John Moran’s Tribute at last night’s Balloon Glow. Below is the reading for John, and in the comments section of this post is a picture of the arrangement on Freer Field for his memory:

As many of you know there was a ballooning incident on Friday involving one of our pilots, after the balloon landed on the ground. Tonight we pay a special tribute to a pilot who is gone too soon. Tonight’s glow is dedicated to that pilot, John Moran. This was John’s 23rd year participating in the event. He was a salesman for Kubicek balloons and shared his love of the ballooning sport both as a hobby and professionally. He operated a repair station where many pilots took their balloons to be inspected and repaired. John gave ballooning instructions and flight training; he was a great mentor and inspiration to many pilots and crew.

Thru the years, John brought several different balloons to share at Ashland. Many of you will remember Celebration, Advanced Auto Parts, and this year he was flying Tetris. For several years, he did tethered rides and many Ashland BalloonFest attendees will remember taking short rides in his balloons.

John truly loved the sport and wanted to share that joy with everyone. He was a great supporter of Ashland BalloonFest and always willing to help out in any way that he could. He especially loved the balloon glows at Ashland and lighting up the burner to the choreographed music.

Tonight’s glow features a missing balloon formation – it is a salute to a fallen pilot where the balloon envelope is absent and only the burner glows. The pilots of John’s family and friends will man the basket and glow in honor of John.

John is fondly remembered for his balloon Silver Wings, with silver birds spiraled on the envelope. He now has wings of an angel.

Ashland BalloonFest sends it’s condolences to the family and friends of John Moran. ... See MoreSee Less

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