The Cancer Association of Anderson Hot Air Affair balloon event was held over the Labor Day weekend in the Williamston, West Pelzer and Pelzer area.
Spectators enjoyed seeing balloons launch, fly over and land throughout the area. A balloon glow was also held at night. Pictured: Balloon launch from the Williamston, SC ballfields. (Photo by Michael Lollis)
Angie Stringer, Cancer Association of Anderson Director said, “The Cancer Association of Anderson is so pleased with the success of the 4th Annual Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer. During the event, ten patients/survivors were provided the opportunity to be paired with a balloon pilot for a ride in their hot air balloon.”
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said, “It was a great event. It went well.”
Burgess said the balloon pilots came from all over, one as far as Florida, “there are some of the nicest people in the ballooning community,” he said. “They come from out of state for free for an event like this to raise money for a good cause. It also has an economic impact on our local community.”
Burgess, who was able to take flight in one of the balloons, said he received a number of comments from the balloon pilots stating the town was very hospitable and the weather was great.
“They will be back next year,” he said.
Stringer said, “This event could not have happened without the support of the Town of Williamston and other sponsors.”
Sponsors included: AnMed Health, Anderson County, Blossman Propane & Appliance, Palmetto Family Medical Group, Balloonmeister Roger Clark, Team Leader Beth Krask, Safety Officer Robert Wise, Ground Controller Jim Hendershot, Weatherman Duncan Dunavent, Announcer Colby Jones and CAA staff & Volunteers: Ryan Hulon, Roger Dickson, Andy Stringer, Kim Strickland, Kathy Mulz, Beth Gibson, Margaret Barnes, Joyce DeAngeles, and many others.
Stringer also thanked Jack Ellenburg, Craig Childress Johnson, Cole Stringer and MacKenzie Bonner. Stringer offered special thanks to the Town of West Pelzer for their assistance. Also Mayor Rockey Burgess, Council members Tabitha Austin and Chris Alexander. People’s Bank, Sheryl McCollum, Autec and Paragon Hotels.
“This was truly a community event,” Stringer said.
For more information or to join their 2022 team, contact the Cancer Association of Anderson by emailing Stringer at: Angela@CAAnderson.org.
