WELLINGTON – On June 13, weather permitting, the skies over southern Lorain County will be filled with about 20 hot air balloons.

Planning is under way for the second annual Wellington Balloon Fest, and this time around, there will be more balloons and a much larger venue – the Lorain County Fairgrounds.

Last year, the floating beauties took off from the American Legion grounds south of downtown.

The crowds were overwhelming, and traffic backed up to U.S. Route 20 many miles north of town, organizers said.

“We had one heck of a crowd,” said organizer Howard Reynolds of Wellington. “At the end of the day, our volunteers were worn out, but they had huge smiles on their faces.”

The event raised about $5,000 for the Southern Satellite Office on Aging, and this year, Reynolds hopes to double that sum for the Lorain County Office on Aging.

The proceeds will be used to support programs such as Meals on Wheels, monthly food deliveries, housekeeping, chores and escorts to doctor`s offices, said Patricia Littleton, executive director of the aging office.

The economy is taking its toll on the elderly along with the rest of us, Littleton said.

People who supplement their living expenses with investments are getting less money or none at all, so people are asking for help who did not ask before, Littleton said.

She said she hopes proceeds from Balloon Fest will help fill in funding gaps left by cuts from the state and federal governments.

It`s also a lot of fun to see the balloons, she said.

“Last year I expected 500 (people), and we got 2,500,” Littleton said. “This is all put together by volunteers and it`s wonderful.”

There is no charge to get in, but parking is $5 a car.

Reynolds is expecting 19 or 20 balloons – double the number that took part in 2008.

This year at the fairgrounds, there will be room to spread out. Organizers urge families to bring chairs, blankets and cameras for a whole day of fun, activities and relaxation.

Besides music, other entertainment and activities for children, there is room for artists, crafters or other vendors.

Sponsors of T-shirts, music, children`s games, tethered rides and the balloon glow are being sought.

For more information on how to sponsor an activity or to volunteer, call the Lorain County Office on Aging at (440) 326-4800, the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce at (440) 647-2222, Howard Reynolds at (440) 647-6172 or Bill Spicer at (440) 647-0704.

Those who sponsor events will receive thank-yous ranging from banners and advertising in programs to a hot air balloon ride or meal tickets with the pilots and crews.

The initial Wellington Balloon Fest 2008 was the brainchild of Wellington Township trustee Calvin Woods, who was inspired when he attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Some 850 balloons are featured in the Albuquerque festival, which attracts more than 30,000 people.

A typical balloon is 70 feet tall and 55 feet wide and holds 90,000 cubic feet of hot air.

Reynolds, who used to crew for local balloonists in the 1990s, said the rides are incredible – like “floating like a feather.”

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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