Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

07/31/2008 12:45:58 PM · #1

It's that time of year again, the annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally - when the Southern Tier comes together to eat marinated meat and...well...launch hot air balloons.

I'm planning to be there Friday night for the balloon launch, firworks, and light-up (assuming that the weather is good), and then off and on during Saturday and Sunday, mostly for the balloon launches in the mornings and evenings.

A balloon ride runs $175, which is a bit steep for me right now. But they offer teathered rides during the launches, which rise to about 30'. This could be a good way to photograph the launch, and at $5, can't be beat.

Anyone else planning to be there? It'd be fun to meet up and have someone to shoot with.

rider

Canon EOS-7D

07/31/2008 03:39:45 PM · #2

i just read some of the add and it says no backpacks of any kind!i guess i could get by with 2 lenses but i don't know?

eqsite

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/31/2008 03:43:28 PM · #3

Hi, Brent. Doesn't look like I can make it this year. I'll look forward to seeing your shots, though.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

07/31/2008 05:25:29 PM · #4

Originally posted by rider:

i just read some of the add and it says no backpacks of any kind!i guess i could get by with 2 lenses but i don't know?

I called them last year about this and the lady in charge said that some bags were okay. Women all carry purses, so a smaller over-the-shoulder bag should be just fine. Mine was last year and I plan to carry one again this year. I'll only be bringing my Ef 28-135mm and Tokina 10-17mm lenses; ought to be plenty of coverage.

Moreover, when I attended the final balloon launch on Sunday morning last year, I did wear my backpack in - there wasn't even anyone at the gate checking passes! I guess they had pretty much given up by then.

eqsite, sorry to hear you won't be able to make it. I'll be sure to post some photos when it's all over. Seems like with autumn coming we need to start thinking about another GTG, perhaps somewhere new this year.

eqsite

Nikon D7100

08/01/2008 02:37:35 PM · #5

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

... Seems like with autumn coming we need to start thinking about another GTG, perhaps somewhere new this year.

Sounds like a great idea -- I nominate you to organize it! :D

08/01/2008 05:50:08 PM · #6

Thank you for that (dubious) honor. As autumn gets closer I'll post an actual thread asking for suggestions. Myself, I'm a bit bored with the usual waterfalls and would like to try something new - we'll see what the others think when the time comes.