To the Editor:

My husband, Tim, and I fly the Checkmate balloon. We have been fortunate enough to be invited to the Grant County Hot Air Balloon Festival from the beginning. That first year just my husband and I drove to John Day, and were surprised by how long a trip it turned out to be. (It didnt look that long on the map!) As we made our way into town late at night we questioned if wed ever return. After spending the weekend with the gracious people of Grant County we knew wed be back.

Weve done just that each year. And each year we have brought more people with us. Last year our faithful crew members from the Tri-Cities in Washington, a family of four, joined us. They had such a wonderful time and were so impressed with the warmth of the people in your county that they returned, and invited people from their area to come along.

Tim and I bragged about your event all year long. We brought in another crew member, this time a single woman from Bend. She had a blast, even though Mother Nature did not cooperate with us. Shell be back next year and plans to bring her son.

The hospitality your community offers to the balloonists is beyond compare. The word is spreading. I would expect even more guests to arrive next year.

The community of Grant County is a wonderful host. We only hope that the weather will go back to what it was the first two years. We want to grace your skies as often as we can.

Shari Gale

St. Helens