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2016 Lincoln Balloon Fest
LINCOLN DAILY NEWS
August 30, 2016
Page 7
Jim Ireland and his wife Nancy
have lived in Lincoln for many
years and have been part of the
Lincoln Balloon Festival since it
began.
Nancy Ireland said they first
became interested in hot air
balloons while attending a
hydroplane boat race. She said
there were several balloons there
and Jim wanted to ride in one.
Five years later, Jim Ireland took
his first hot air balloon ride and
said, “I want to own one someday.”
In 1989, the Irelands starting flying
balloons. They have participated
in events throughout the Midwest
and also the well-known balloon
festival in Albuquerque, New
Mexico with around 800 balloons.
For the Irelands, the most
enjoyable part of ballooning is
“seeing the smiles and excitement
on the faces of the children,” in
addition to the many friends they
have made through piloting a
balloon.
The experience of floating above
Lincoln and seeing it from an
aerial view is one not to miss.
2016 Lincoln Balloon
Festival Media Night
Photos
By Lisa
Ramlow