Volunteer crew needed for Balloon Fest

AZ Air Ventures and the Graham County Chamber of Commerce are seeking volunteers to help crew the 20 balloons that will take part in the Gila Valley Balloon Extravaganza Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 1-2. - Contributed Photo

SAFFORD — The newest event coming to the Gila Valley needs a little help.

Organizers of the Gila Valley New Years Balloon Extravaganza said they need volunteers to assist getting the balloons off and on the ground.

“We definitely want to have at least three to four people to launch a balloon. And then we want them to go in the vehicle and chase us,” said AZ Air Ventures’ Greg Lindsey.

Twenty pilots will bring their balloons to fly in the Gila Valley, taking off from the vacant field by Ruth Powell and Lafe Nelson schools the mornings of Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 1-2.

The evenings will feature balloon glows in two locations — Friday, Dec. 31, from 6-7 p.m., at Mt. Graham Golf Club, and Saturday, Jan. 1, from 6-7 p.m., at Pima Soccer Fields.

Brooke Curley, with the Graham County Chamber of Commerce interviewed Nick Cranford, who crews AZ Air Ventures, about what is expected of a volunteer crew member.

“We usually get there . . . about 6 a.m. or so. When we get there, we set up a game plan for how we’re going to set up, pick the angle and then unload everything and put it all together,” Cranford said.

Volunteers may be able to ride free, depending on weather and demand at the event.

To volunteer, go to Crew Form for Gila Valley New Year’s Balloon Extravaganza 2021-2022 (google.com).

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, to include the volunteer link.

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