Czech It Out

06/16/2024

Nestled in Utah's Trail Country the Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival in Salina, Utah offers a unique experience that both pilots and photographers adore.

Imagine soaring above the festival grounds and then heading north toward Redmond, Utah There, nestled amidst the stunning scenery, lies Redmond Lake. Under the right conditions, its waters become a photographer's dream, transforming into a mirror reflecting the vibrant colors of the balloons above.

For pilots, navigating over this reflective surface adds a whole new dimension to the flight, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Photo credit: Kreig Rasmussen Photography

06/15/2024

Love the interesting history of ballooning.

A fascinating sight rose over the National Mall in June of 1861. With President Abraham Lincoln looking on, Thaddeus Lowe climbed aboard his hot air balloon – the Enterprise – and began to float up above the city. Attempting to show the usefulness of manned balloons to the Union Army, Lowe looked into the distance and used a telegraph line to send a message down: “The city with its girdle of encampments presents a superb scene - I have pleasure in sending you this first dispatch ever telegraphed from an aerial station and in acknowledging indebtedness to your encouragement for the opportunity of demonstrating the availability of the science of aeronautics in the military service of the country.”

Though Lowe had little formal education, he built his first functioning hot air balloon in 1858 at the age of 26. Taking several daring flights, he learned through trial and error. His fame growing, Lowe fostered connections with Smithsonian Secretary Joseph Henry and Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase. Without the backing of these men Lowe would not likely have met with Lincoln.

After his demonstration, Lowe was named the head of the Union Army Balloon Corps. The balloons were primarily used for reconnaissance. Rising as high as 1,000 feet, the largest balloons could hold five people to scout Confederate positions and send down telegrams. A novel idea but not as effective as hoped, balloon corps was soon phased out. Still, Lowe went on to be a highly successful inventor and businessman.

Photo of Lowe in a balloon during the Civil War from the Library of Congress.

06/15/2024

Co****le Tournamnet Friday, June 21, 2024 at 6:00 pm $20.00 per team Register on Scoreholio App search Eyes to the Sky Contact Krissy Hallows at 435-201-3823 with questions of for additional inform…

06/13/2024

06/08/2024

Adventure Awaits in Salina, Utah!

Get ready for a weekend of wonder! The Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival takes flight in Salina, Utah (in the heart of Utah's Trail Country!), June 21st through 23rd.

Prepare to be mesmerized by a kaleidoscope of colors as majestic hot air balloons paint the sky.

But the magic doesn't stop there! This family-friendly festival is packed with exciting adventures for all ages:
* Witness breathtaking balloon launches and glows.
* Take a tethered balloon ride for a bird's-eye view (Saturday only!).
* Thrill to the awe-inspiring stunts of FMX motorcycle riders.
* Sway to the rhythm of free live music concerts.
* Indulge in delicious treats from a variety of food trucks.
* Let loose in the brand new Fun Zone with rides, games, and activities.
* Explore a vibrant marketplace filled with unique crafts and vendors.
* Be entertained and laugh to the thrill of “Bob at Large” Comedian and Performer Entertainer Extraordinaire

Create memories that will last a lifetime! Join us for an unforgettable weekend of fun, adventure, and community spirit at the Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival.

Visit our website for a complete schedule of events and information.

Photo credit: Joe Albrethsen

02/20/2024

Thank you to our Sponsors Holiday Inn Express, Tim and John who circled the skies with us Friday and were great hosts. From the morning glow to the lantern 🏮 launch we tried to keep the smiles on. We miss you Keith Evans and Marianne Evans. it’s just not the same. Thank you for all the love and support everyone has shown. Fly high!

02/17/2024

Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup Thursday’s check in dinner at Kanab events center became an emotional evening. After a delicious dinner with our sponsors Holiday Inn Express in Kanab pilots and crew signed cards and a lantern then launched it in honor of our dear friend and pilot Keith Evans who suddenly passed away. Greg was presented with a heartfelt colored pencil drawing of Josh Keith, him and Kirt Bramble looking just over the hill. So touching and meaningful.

02/02/2024

Mark your calendars now! Save the date for the 2024 Eyes to the Sky Balloon Festival in beautiful Salina Utah, June 21-22-23.
Salina, Utah

01/31/2024

🎈✈️ Exciting News! 🚀✨ Balloons and Tunes is just around the corner, and we've got something special in store at the museum on February 16th and 17th! Join us for a fantastic journey through the skies with our upcoming poster exhibit on the history of flight!

But that's not all - we're adding a touch of hands-on fun to the mix! We will have supplies available so that you can make a flying machine of your own!

Save the date, spread the word, and let's soar together at Balloons and Tunes! 🎈🎶 Stay tuned for more updates!

01/29/2024

Excited to be back Kanab Balloons & Tunes Roundup ! Czech out a good time!

01/26/2024

Czech it Out will be on Fox 5 Las Vegas new this morning live from CasaBlanca Resort in Mesquite, Nevada! Weather is looking 👀 😊🎈🎉🍾 if you’re looking for a fun time we need a few helping hands.
They tell us airing at 10 am pst

01/17/2024

An emotional tribute to an amazing man, pilot, and his crew chief and wife who passed away one year ago. Sending off our true friends in one of a kind style with balloon salute and missing man formation with his grand children relighting and continuing the flame 🔥

Their grandchildren led us in the balloonist prayer and sent off a pibal launch. Thank you to the balloon family, who made this possible and created the video. This event will never be forgotten.

We ❤️ you Keith Evans & Marianne Jacklin Evans and Smiley's Dream Hot Air Balloon Team!

Clear skies, calm winds and soft landings.

Smileys Dream Send Off

01/12/2024

All services will be held as follows at the local LDS Chapel Building for Keith Evans:

860 N 350 W Santaquin, Utah 84655

Viewing Sunday January 14th from 5-8 PM

Viewing Monday January 15th from 9-10:30 AM

Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM

This service will be broadcasted live for everyone to see. The link is listed below and will also be listed on the obituary, still to come.

LIVE STREAM:

https://youtube.com/?si=c_igUJwNbKr4h0Qi

OBITUARY:

https://www.brownfamilymortuary.com/obituaries/keith-evans

01/09/2024

Funeral Arrangements Below:

We are overwhelmed with the love and support we are seeing from across the world for my sweet dad. He had a heart of gold and a smile that could fill up any room! We appreciate everyone stopping by to share their stories with us, it has helped us learn so much more about the incredible man he was.

The services will be held as follows at the local LDS Chapel Building

860 N 350 W Santaquin, Utah 84655

Viewing Sunday January 14th from 5-8 PM

Viewing Monday January 15th from 9-10:30 AM

Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM

This service will be broadcasted live for everyone to see. The link is listed below and will also be listed on the obituary, still to come.

https://youtube.com/?si=c_igUJwNbKr4h0Qi

01/09/2024

Come join us.

Life is a Beautiful Ride. So take flight for Kanab’s 10th annual Balloons and Tunes festival. Watch over 40 of the best hot air balloon pilots around take to the morning sky—then grab some grub in town and stroll through our charming vendor fair. Don’t miss out on the live music, epic landscape, and family memories. Plan your adventure—February 16th, 17th, and 18th!

01/07/2024

Words cannot express what we feel as we are numb at the passing of our dear friend Ballooning brother, Keith Evans. You were taken too soon and will be dearly missed. Give your sweet wife Marianne a hug from us. Love you 💕 Brother! Hugs to those who were so close to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Live on with his smile and give freely as he did.

I don’t know how to even start this post. I am numb and I hope it all makes sense even though it doesn’t in my mind. It is with immense sadness and the heaviest of heart to say that my dear dad, Keith Evans, passed away today from a tragic accident. He was doing what he did best, helping a friend. He is sorely missed already. Although we are sad beyond words, we know that he and mom are having a joyful, loving reunion just short of a year since her passing last January. We wish we could have had more time, but my dad’s light and love will live in our hearts and memories always. Funeral arrangements are to come, we will post with more details.

12/19/2023

Excited to meet some new pilots and crew and hang out with all our friends!

12/08/2023

We are excited to have a new balloon festival on our line up this year!

In a mere 22 days, a gathering of 20 skilled pilots hailing from different corners of the United States will converge upon the Gila Valley, promising an engaging spectacle for enthusiasts. For more information, please visit https://GilaValleyBalloons.com. This community event comes at no expense, offering a delightful opportunity to welcome the New Year by witnessing the enchanting ascent of balloons. The balloon launches will take place just south of Ruth Powell School from December 29 to January 1, commencing at 7:00 am. Two glow shows are scheduled to enhance the excitement. On Friday, join us for the Home Depot Glow Show, and on Saturday, experience the Super Glow Show at Safford Middle School. Children can enjoy free tether balloon rides on Saturday during the Glow Show. Home Depot generously sponsors the giveaway of 10 free Home Depot gifts at each glow show, with winners required to be present to claim their prizes.

https://GilaValleyBalloons.com

11/21/2023

Happy Montgolfier Day! On this day in 1783 the first humans took to the air and aviation was born.

240 years later we are still enjoying the skies in montgolfières or, in English, hot air balloons!

Please help us celebrate the Montgolfier brothers and our first pilots, Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier and François Laurent, by sharing a photo in the comments of your favorite montgolfière!

11/16/2023