Love, Friendship and Bahama Mamas

Rendevous days kicked off their first day of the balloon rally with media day and County 10’s intern Chelsea was given the opportunity to join in on the fun.

While up in the sky she got to know pilot, Al Reusch, and his balloon Knot Over, rooted deep in Irish Symbolism. Plastered in the center of this balloon is a Celtic Knot, portraying its meaning of love and friendship.

Reusch’s Wife Evie has a deep fondness for her Irish history, and the two regularly return to Ireland to revisit her ancestry. On a couple of occasions, they have even taken the balloon out for a spin on the Emerald Isle.

Advertisement

This is Al and Evie’s first time flying during Rendevous Days and the pair traveled here all the way from Macomb, Illinois.

After the quick ride across Riverton, the balloon took a rough landing in the open field next to Woodridge Apartments, but thanks to Reush’s crew they were on the scene ready to end the ride.

After packing up, its tradition for flyers and their crew to pop open a bottle of champagne and toast to a successful ride among the clouds. However, having never been in Fremont County, the family wasn’t sure where the nearest liquor store was, so instead, they toasted to what they had with them, Bahama Mamas. A tropical drink made of coconut rum and pineapple juice.

As the crew members gathered around they turned their ears towards Al as he spoke the Balloonists’ Prayer.

Advertisement

“The Winds have welcomed you with softness. The Sun has blessed you with its warm hands. You have flown so high and so well, that God has joined you in your laughter, and set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth.”

You can catch Knot Over and 30 other balloons this weekend, as Rendevous Days continues until Sunday.

If you’re interested in being apart of the action Rendezvous Day is in need of more volunteers. Registration will be at 5:45 am at the CWC launch field. Masks are required for pilots and crew members.

Advertisement

For more updates on the events click here to view the Rendezvous Days Facebook page.

Advertisement