We did the usual Fourth activities, including fireworks- watching the big show at the Stadium of Fire from the hills above BYU's football stadium. Earlier in the day, we went to some of the Freedom Festival activities in Provo. My favorite was a reconstructed colonial village, including people dressed in the fashions of the time, and doing everyday activities. This broommaker has an eighteenth century hearing aid!
These ladies are making baskets. They had some awesome ones they'd done on dislplay.
But my favorite was this woman, making bobbin lace. I had to laugh- four of her bobbins had metallic thread on them!! She agreed they probably weren't of colonial vintage.
And a closeup of her working--
Despite being up late last night doing fireworks, we got up and out of the house before six am for the last day of Balloon Fest. I have never ridden in one, but I think hot air balloons are magical, and I didn't want to miss the launch.
Only one balloon was being filled when we arrived. The rest were like this- basket on its side, balloon laid out on the ground in a long line.
Then they rev up the cold air fans, and start inflating the balloons.
Once they are filled with cold air, then the fire blowers go to work. I'm sure they have an official name, but I haven't a clue what it is. I was just glad of their warmth when you were near, the morning air was a little nippy with just a tee shirt on.
A little bit with the hot air, and we are close to liftoff!! I loved being on the field right with the balloons.
In addition to the colorful 'round' balloons, there were a couple of unusual ones. This balloon, sponsored by a bank, is a giant piggy bank!
And a character from my childhood, Smokey the Bear--
We hung around until they were all airborn.
A lovely, magical way to start a Saturday morning!
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