FOUR DECADES OF MODEL BALLOON TRADITION IN THE BLACK FOREST – ANNIVERSARY OF THE “INTERNATIONAL BRIGACHTAL MODEL BALLOON MEETING”

To mark the anniversary, this year’s event even lasted an entire day longer. A total of 53 model balloon teams took advantage of the long October weekend from October 2–5 to come to the Brigach Valley—more participants than there have been in a long time. Teams came from all over Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Austria, and for the first time, a team traveled all the way from Bulgaria.

Even before the official start—which took place once again this year at the Tannheim Aftercare Clinic—the teams that had already arrived took advantage of the good weather to go on model balloon rides together or to give their baskets a thorough overhaul and spruce them up in Richard’s workshop. After check-in and the distribution of event goody bags—including printed anniversary T-shirts and small surprises—all participants had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the rehabilitation center for families with chronically ill children. This gesture by the clinic was very well received, and it set everyone’s eyes aglow before the nighttime glow began. The outdoor area—which was actually quite spacious—was constantly filled with model balloons that were launched simultaneously to the accompaniment of music and glowed in vibrant colors for nearly an hour. Many balloon artists took the opportunity to use this event to showcase their latest balloons, especially new special shapes. Even long-time participants were amazed, as this evening—a staple of the Brigachtal gathering—is and remains a highlight for young and old alike.

That holiday Friday was all about model ballooning, since it was clear that the weather would take a turn for the worse starting Saturday and become unpredictable. With perfect weather, the morning began right away with a “fox hunt,” the first of a total of three races. However, due to constantly changing wind conditions, it wasn’t easy to get close to the fox, resulting in only four valid scores. Thanks to the mobile gas station, which was available at all times, model ballooning continued nonstop until noon. After a well-deserved lunch break, the ambitious model balloonists in particular were ready for two more competitions. First, the task was to place a classic marker as accurately as possible; then, a parachutist had to be dropped from a specified minimum altitude onto a target cross as precisely as possible. One participant was particularly successful, mastering both tasks with a deviation of less than 50 cm. A small highlight this year was the anniversary markers—individually designed and hand-sewn for each participant—which everyone happily took home as souvenirs. Naturally, everyone was thrilled to see their own balloon featured in the anniversary edition of *Marker*. This perfect model balloon day concluded with a glow-in-the-dark event at the dam in the Linach Valley, the Linach Dam. It’s always an impressive sight when numerous model balloons glow in front of and within the arched sections of the dam under a clear starry sky and moonlight. Thanks to prior promotion, this colorful spectacle was enjoyed by approximately 150 visitors. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that the weather on Saturday wasn’t on our side and the model balloons would have to stay in their bags. However, this didn’t dampen the mood, as the planned afternoon barbecue took place in the rain but at least didn’t get rained out. Well protected thanks to ample shelter and appropriate clothing, over 80 people were treated to Swiss cheese fondue, 180 sausages, kilos of salads, and cake. A big thank you to all the volunteers! Anyone who found it too wet and cold could watch movies from past decades in the makeshift garage theater and perhaps have a laugh at their own 1987 hairstyle. An all-around successful afternoon spent together by the balloonists. Unfortunately, on the day of departure—Sunday—it was still impossible to fly any model balloons. With all the model balloons already expertly stowed away for the journey home, everyone gathered at the clubhouse for the closing ceremony to first announce the winners of the competition flights amid applause. Over a delicious, hearty meal, everyone listened to the closing speech by organizer Sebastian Bölling, which officially brought the anniversary gathering to a close. However, he did not reveal any details about the 41st model balloon meet, and we are curious to see how the era of the “International Brigachtal Model Balloon Meet” will continue.

Thank you to all the participants for this wonderful and memorable anniversary weekend. It was an honor for us!

Jödis Klose on behalf of the entire organizing team