As colorful hot air balloons rise over Ann Morrison Park, thousands gather to watch one of Boise’s most recognizable yearly traditions. But for pilots in the sky, the spirit of Boise is about more than the view.
One long-time pilot says the event has become a tradition he looks forward to each year, bringing him back to Boise to share his passion for ballooning with the community. “Boise’s such a beautiful city to fly in, and I’ve landed all over the city, and it’s always been nice to have local people welcome you. I mean, people bring out lemonade and cookies and invite you in for breakfast, and it’s pretty incredible.” Said Lewin William, a long-time pilot who’s been coming back to the Spirit of Boise for years.
He says his love for flying began years ago and that passion has only grown with every flight. Over time, ballooning has become more than a hobby; it’s an experience he enjoys sharing with people both in the basket and on the ground. “My balloon is multicolored with a red stripe around the center, and I started ballooning back in 1993 when I took my first balloon ride. You know what they say: your first ride’s your cheapest. After that, it gets pretty expensive. It’s fate. They just happen to go out one day, and all of a sudden, 35 years later, I’m still flying hot air balloons,” said William…