FRANKENMUTH, MI / ACCESS Newswire / November 2, 2026 / Hot Air Balloon Pilot, Shawn Raya of Highland, Michigan, competed with 185 pilots from around the world at the 54th annual Albuquerque’s International Balloon Fiesta, the World’s Largest Hot Air Balloon Festival. Pilot Shawn, won flying the new Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn balloon designed and built at Cameron Balloons U.S. in Dexter, MI. Along with winning the overall Championship, Pilot Raya won the Sid Cutter Memorial task as well! No pilot has won both prestigious awards at the same event in 54 years. A record 982,741 visitors attended this 9 day long festival.
“I’m honored to be a part of an event that celebrates the passion, skill and tradition of ballooning”, stated Pilot Raya at the awards banquet attended by 500 fellow pilots & crew members.
To win the 11th annual Sid Cutter competitive task, Pilot Raya had to approach a boat parked in one leg of a 30 foot fabric X and drop his baggie closest to the point of the bow of the boat. This is the 5th year he has won this task, garnishing a hand painted porcelain- kilned plate illustrating the Bavarian Blast Balloon over this unique target.…