A brother who lost to his sister last year ended up taking 1st place in the Balloon Fest Cardboard Boat Race this year.
Jaxon Cushman stayed afloat in Catfish Pond longer than anyone else in the Sunday afternoon competition.
“I was really excited to win and beat my sister this year. And get my ‘get back’.”
Julia Cushman took second and Krimsen Thompson was third.
In the return of the pilots/crew contest, Kurt Vitense of the Oasis-Velocity balloon flying for Macz Funeral Homes with co-pilot George Macz took first. Nick Jacobs flying Steampunk Sea for the Geary Family was second. Ana Tindall of the Balloon Sidewinder sponsored by Smitty’s Body Shop and Towing took third. Pilot Justin Hofmann flying the balloon Dreamer for Poor Boy Portable Buildings received an honorable mention.
In all, Event Chair Greg Jones says there were four pilot/crew entrants and 31 traditional class submissions. He is thanking all the participants for the fantastic turnout and Salem Travel for their sponsorship that made the event possible.
Winners of the boat races with sponsors Mike and Jeannell Charman (left) and Nikki Holland (far right) of Salem Travel.
Getting ready for the pilot’s cardboard boat race. Photo by Pat Hodges.
A little brother-sister love between 1st place Cardboard Race Finisher Jackson Cushman and his sister and 2nd place finisher Julie Cushman. Photo by Pat Hodges.
Thanks to Greg Jones for helping us out with complete team names and spellings that have now been updated. We apologize for the earlier incomplete information.
