LECTURE DESCRIPTION:

The history of ballooning is a fascinating one. It includes Benjamin Franklin, a couple of French paper makers, and a couple of barnyard animals. After many repeated experiments during more than 20 centuries, the secret of aerial navigation was discovered toward the end of the 18th century in 1782 when Stephen (Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier) and Joseph Montgolfier made their ingenious aerostatic experiment. Smoke from fire hovered over Parisian rooftops for hours before it ascended into clouds – this inspiration led to an invention that changed our world forever!

The serenity and intangible lightness of flying in a hot air balloon has been relentlessly pursued for over 200 years. Local pilot, Ramon Seelbach will share his experiences with the audience in a discussion covering many aspects of ballooning, including history and the contributions of women pilots through the years. This slide show covers all aspects of hot air ballooning including races, upkeep, and maintenance. Learn the basics of ballooning and enjoy many of his adventures in balloons.

SPEAKER BIO:

Ramon Seelbach is a commercial hot air balloon pilot with more than 30 years of experience flying in and around Truckee Meadows and the western United States. He is retired from active flying now but is still active in the ballooning community. Ramon bought his new balloon in 1984 and flew it every year for the next 27 years. Most balloons last 6 to 8 years.

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the lecture starts at 7 pm

Ticket Cost: $10

**ALL EVENTS ARE RAIN OR SHINE AND NON-REFUNDABLE**