These are changing times around Balloon Fiesta Park and the “I don’t know crew.”
Delays to recent ascension has left pilots and visitors alike wondering what comes next for the family that so named its hot air balloon back in 2006. While the balloon was named back then by Derek Grasspaugh, KOAT.com reports for the first time this year his son, Shane Shipman, will be piloting "I don't know."
"I fly the balloon," Shipman added. "It's called 'I don't know...' It's definitely fitting cause right now it's just up in the air and we don't know [if we'll be able to fly]."
From the very outset, the balloon was given its name based on the uncertain nature of the weather, causing no mass ascension. In preparing for his moment in the sun, Shipman rode a lot with his father during last year's Balloon Fiesta.
"Last year, he flew with me every day under a mentorship," Grasspaugh said. "He definitely can do this."
The family’s history of flying even predates Grasspaugh, starting with his father, Bob, who was also a hot-air balloon flyer. This year’s 50th Balloon Fiesta holds a special place for him.
"This one's special cause it's the first year my grandson is a pilot flying," he said. "I'm so proud of him really, I love it and I'm so happy for them."