Although there was no competitive ballooning at this year’s Centralia Balloon Fest, several honors were still given at the annual awards brunch Sunday.
The High Fly Cup was presented to balloonist Walt Rudy of Ohio. The High Fly Cup is awarded each year to a pilot who is seen by his fellow pilots as being an ambassador of ballooning. The cup is given in memory of pilot Wes Rinker. Rudy says he had the esteemed honor of being friends with Rinker, which makes the award extra special for him. He also says he’s not the only ambassador of ballooning.
“We are a small knit group and to receive this award is not only just an acknowledgment of what I do but what all pilots and crews do that are involved in ballooning. Because without them we couldn’t do it.”
Rudy flew the Hour Big Bundle of Joy balloon at the festival, sponsored by the Kuder family.
Others honored at the annual brunch include 20 year pilots Tom Klitz and Jim Phelan, 25 year committee member Becky Castellari, 25 year sponsors Irvin Macz Funeral Home and Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, and 30 year sponsor Centralia Elks Lodge #493.
