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Back again for 2008, announcer. Blair Brody hailing from Mason City, Iowa, has been announcing hot air balloon events for more than 20 years.  He first became involved in ballooning in 1977 as a crewperson for a local balloonist.  When asked to be the event announcer at an early 1980’s Mason City event because the committee could not find anyone else; he agreed to do it.  That simple announcing request has grown to eight or nine balloon events per year in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas and Nebraska as well as the Master of Ceremonies for two Duck’s Unlimited Banquets in Iowa and Minnesota.  Brody says, “My main objective as an announcer is to inform, educate and entertain the crowd”.  He especially enjoys and encourages spectators to come forward and ask questions.

Welcome to the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races website.

Our 31st annual event in 2008 will hopefully fair better than last year. The weather didn't cooperate with us. We were able to have some tethering and a very nice night glow. As we get things ironed out for 2008 we will be updating the sites informational pages.

We still plan on the following

  • Carnival Rides
  • Food
  • Contests
  • Fireworks
  • Live entertainment
  • Hot air balloons galore

We would like to thank last years sponsors for all that they have contributed.

 

 

Historical Perspective

The initial year of the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races was 1977, and as legend has it originated “over a cup of coffee”.  While I am not sure who was sipping coffee that day, one might suspect it included Pat Sheedy and Gene Schultz, and likely Jerry Millican.  They envisioned bringing balloonists to Ottumwa for an annual competition in the Ottumwa Park.

The 1977 Race was held in Ottumwa Park in the area where Beach Ottumwa is presently located.  Try as they might – Pat, Gene, and a rather small volunteer crew they had recruited, along with Balloon Meister Phil Gray of Indianola really had their hands full meeting all the obligations such an undertaking as this requires. 

For a number of years the Races remained in the Beach Ottumwa area – then the site was moved to the field just west of the Shelter House where it remains to this day.  This was probably a good move for at least a couple reasons – this area is protected a bit more from winds (the previous location was quite open so even the slightest breeze could result in no lift-off), and secondly it was in much closer proximity to the Shelter House, thus eliminating the need to rent a large tent for the event.