03/31/2026
Yesterday was one of those days that reminds you just how special our ballooning community truly is.
We gathered to honor Gary Peterson with a proclamation recognizing his many years of friendship, dedication, and contributions to ballooning and the people around him. What Gary didn’t know was just how many people would show up to celebrate him.
Friends, family, and a sky full of balloons came together to make the morning unforgettable. Watching the balloons lift off together in Gary’s honor was something none of us will forget anytime soon.
To everyone who came out, helped organize, flew their balloons, crewed, or simply stood with us to celebrate — thank you. Your presence meant the world to Gary and the Peterson family, and it meant a lot to all of us who were part of it.
This community is something truly special.
Gary, thank you for everything you’ve given to ballooning and to all of us over the years. Yesterday was just a small way to say how much you are appreciated.
What an incredible day. 🎈
