On October 29, 2006, the family attended the
annual Balloon Festival in Statesville, NC
While previous festivals were held at the Iredell County Fairgrounds,
this year's festival was held at the Statesville Airport.
The Army National Guard was there with some of their equipment.
A pretty big crowd of people showed up to see the hot air balloons take off.
Many local vineyards
were offering samples of
their wines.


Megan brought her
friend Sarah to the event.

In this photo, Megan and
Sarah walk past a tent
for Childress Vineyards
which is about 40 miles
east of Statesville.
Michele                      Gregory      Breanna
One of the vendors was offering old-timey family photos.
We just couldn't resist!
Of course we had to get some
genuine Carolina BBQ to eat.
Late in the day, when it was time to go, they finally
began to fill up the balloons.

Unfortunately, it was windy that day and only a few
balloons were allowed to participate.
We plan to go back to
the Festival next year.

Hopefully the weather
will cooperate and
they will be able to
launch more balloons.  
We hear it can be
spectacular.