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Sussex Academy hosts Balloons Over Sussex as fundraiser for science lab
Large hot air balloons begin the process of inflation before takeoff.
Ron MacArthur
September 20, 2019

Sussex Academy in Georgetown sponsored Balloons Over Sussex to raise funds for a new science lab. More than 10,000 people attended the Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 event at Delaware Coastal Airport. Because the wind blew in excess of 14 mph most of the day Sept. 14, no balloons could get off the ground. Due to safety reasons, balloons can fly only when the wind is less than 7 mph. However, teams did light up the night sky when they turned on their burners. On Sept. 15, with more favorable conditions, balloonists and their riders took off near sunrise and covered the sky east of Georgetown. In addition, tethered rides were available and balloons were able to get airborne in the late afternoon. The event also included vendors, children’s games, entertainment and food vendors.

Large hot air balloons begin the process of inflation before takeoff.
As each balloon is inflated, it takes off with the wind pushing balloon teams northeast.
Riders in a gondola are just seconds away from lift off Sept. 15.
A team inflates their balloon in preparation for an early-morning takeoff.
Teams get their balloons ready for early-morning flights on Sept. 15.
A team checks its burner before attaching the balloon to the gondola.
Teams use fans to move air into their balloons before they get upright.
As soon as balloons are inflated, they take off in the sky over the airport.
Milton’s Chuck Wagner’s RE/MAX balloon is ready for takeoff. Wagner introduced Sussex County to ballooning when he hosted a festival in Milton.
The first balloons take off from the festival grounds Sept. 15.
Early risers Sept. 15 are able to see balloons rise over Sussex.
The Tailwinds Over Frederick team flies over Gravel Hill Road after taking off from Delaware Coastal Airport.
Some teams didn’t fly very far due to the humid weather. Wonderful Whirled balloon from Goldbloom, Pa., and Yellow Jacket balloon from Chester, Md., land along Shingle Point Road near Georgetown.
The Tailwinds Over Frederick team from Frederick, Md. has to land in a horse pasture off Gravel Hill Road near Georgetown.
The On Your Way Up team uses fans to partially inflate its balloon in order to allow people to walk inside.
Balloons Over Sussex attendees enjoy the colors and space inside a hot air balloon.
Balloon teams light up the night sky Sept. 14 as they ignite their burners with propane.
The Sirius balloon from Star Ballooning of Shenandoah Valley, Va., lights its burner to get airborne.
Nightstar, A Rising Star, and Hour Bundle of Joy fly over a Sussex County field.
Hope for Success performs under the entertainment tent.
Officer Offbeat scopes out the festival grounds.
Propane flames light up the festival grounds.

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