Michael Glen. Image courtesy: Michael Glen/Facebook
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The inaugural Taste N Glow Balloon Fest will feature some 30 balloon pilots, including one flaying what appears to be a ski lift instead of the traditional balloon basket.
Michael Glen was paralyzed in an accident at a young age but didn’t let that stop his family’s passion for ballooning from rubbing off on him.
“[My dad has been a pilot.] My brother flys balloons and I fly balloons. It’s kind of our family activity,” said Glen. “Growing up around it I knew I could do it. Once my accident happened I still set the goal to become a balloon pilot. Well, come to find out, at that point in time no one in the world that’s in a wheelchair has ever flown a balloon.”
After some brainstorming and talking with others in the industry Glen found the best way for him to participate would be through the help of what amounts to a ski lift type device in place of a traditional basket. He says it allows him to do everything an able-bodied pilot can. “It’s a bench that I can sit on. It’s got seat belts on it, and it’s literally just like a ski lift. It has a back rest on it, a seat, and then a propane tank underneath that. Then there’s a foot rest for my feet.”
In addition to participating in balloon festivals across the country, Glen says he also hopes to inspire those who attend each festival he’s at.
“I want to show people no matter what happens in life, no matter what path you go down, you can still do anything. It just may take a little time to figure it out.”
The inaugural Taste N Glow Balloon Fest will be held July 9th through 11th at the Trailmakers Snowmobile Club located at 140914 Stettin Drive between Wausau and Marathon City. In addition to the dozens of balloons, the event will feature local food and art vendors along with live music and a laser lights show.
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The event has been organized by local residents Steve and Nancy Woller. The event is operating outside the umbrella of Wausau Events, which had organized the annual balloon and rib fest at the downtown airport but canceled the event this year due to COVID-19.
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