GENEROSITY, GOOD DEEDS AND A LOT OF HOT AIR: BALLOON FEST '94 A GRAND SUCCESS

Last weekend's Balloon Fest '94 drew unexpectedly large crowds to the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport. Even the organizers -- the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts and airport staff -- were surprised by attendance during the three-day event.

Forty-five tethered hot-air balloons were the big attraction, but a static display of military and Confederate Air Force planes and aircraft from the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association also attracted many people.

The festival served not only to provide entertainment, but gave the city a chance to show off its remodeled airport terminal building and other airport facilities. It was a good idea because Cape Girardeans got a chance to entertain themselves and at the same time see how their tax money is being used at the airport.

It was a success, so much so that Balloon festivals and similar aviation events should be held periodically at the airport.