blossom time 2009 program
DESCRIPTION
Blossom Time Program 2009 Parade, Carnival, Taste of Chagrin, Memorial Day, Balloon FestivalTRANSCRIPT
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Wow! Look at all the BEAUTIFULWilloughby Supply rooftops!
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Program Contents
Without our generous sponsors, Blossom Time 2009 would not be possible. Please take note of these supporters of our wonderful community event and offer your patronage whenever possible. Also, please support the advertisers who make
this Official Program Guide possible.
Special thanks to the Village of Chagrin Falls Government & Services Departments for their continuing support of the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and the Blossom Time festivities.
Hidden Picture Challenge Page 7
Event Map Page 11
Schedule of EventsThursday, May 21 Page 12Friday, May 22 Page 16Saturday, May 23 Page 20Sunday, May 24 Page 24Monday, May 25 Page 31
Blossom Time Run2008 Results Page 28Entry Form Page 30
Hot Air Balloon Section Page 39
Taste of Chagrin Page 61
Title SponsorsPhoto by Itamar Gat
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As you page through the program, search for the 10 famous children’s characters. Some are harder to find than others, so look closely. As you find the hidden images, circle them with a pen.
If you find all 13, list the page on which you identified these characters and list the page number next to the names listed above.
Hidden PictureChallenge
Try your eye in this year’s Blossom Program Hidden Picture Challenge.Fun for the entire family!
Can You Find?
Sponge Bob Square Pants p.______
Mutant Ninja Turtle p.______
Power Ranger p.______
Patrick (from Sponge Bob) p.______
Scooby-Doo p.______
Dora the Explorer p.______
Barney p.______
Rugrat p.______
Buzz Lightyear p.______
Marlin & Dory p.______(Finding Nemo)
Hannah Montana p.______
A Jonas Brother p.______
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This year’s agenda is highlighted by several major events, including the 21st annual Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Blossom Time Balloon Festival and the 33rd Annual Blossom Time Run. The Balloon Festival again starts Thursday evening with the “Blossom Balloon Glow”: a stunning visual display of vibrant colors. Watch for balloon launch schedules from Friday evening to Sunday morning as the pilots compete for national ranking points. The Blossom Time Run remains a grueling 5.25 mile challenge for people of all ages. Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center continues to proudly sponsor the entertainment at The Big Top Tent in Riverside Park and other locations around the Village. Please take note of the outstanding free music schedule for 2009 as well as Roving Minstrels, Juggling and Magic acts, Pie Eating contests and much more! Willoughby Supply is proud to sponsor the 53rd Annual Blossom Time Parade. Many of our finest area restaurants have brought out their specialties for the festival, and you can sample them all at The Taste of Chagrin at TrianglePark on Saturday and Sunday, sponsored by Clear Choice Custom Lasik. The Chagrin Valley Jaycees remain proud and honored to service the needs of the greater Chagrin Valley Community. Our community programs include Chagrin Falls Christmas Lighting, South Russell “Show Your Colors”, an Easter Egg Hunt, our first ever Haunted House, and (of course) production of this year’s Blossom Time weekend. We are also proud to maintain our support of such worthy causes as “Safety Town” in Chagrin Falls, two college scholarship funds for local students, the Hattie Larlam Foundation, Chagrin Falls Meals on Wheels, and many more local charities. Proceeds from Blossom Time as well as donations to the CVJC Foundation (our charitable arm) allow us to support these activities, and we truly appreciate the generous participation of our community and sponsors. We look forward to another safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend. Thank you, everyone!
Michael LawrencePresidentChagrin Valley Jaycees
Jon Seewald & Mario PianoCo-Vice-PresidentsChagrin Valley Jaycees
This year we celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Chagrin Falls. The first settlers who worked the land, created industry and raised their families laid a strong foundation that supports us today. Surrounded by evidence of a vibrant past we move ahead into the 21st century with a keen sense of history.
As it was 176 years ago, Chagrin Falls is still a vibrant community. However, in this world where the pace of change is accelerated we take time to appreciate our heritage and preserve our uniqueness. Throughout our Village we have buildings and organizations that chronicle our advancement from mill settlement to modern Village. Each generation has added to our story. Our heritage is rich and our task is to pass on this legacy to following generations with the understanding that what we do today will become part of history of the community.
Many Mayors have served the community. Each has served in the context of the times. Each has served in a time of transition. As the present Mayor I am proud to be part of this community and all it stands for. Tom Brick, MayorVillage of Chagrin Falls Congratulations to the Jaycees on their 53rd Blossom Time!
Welcome!
Drew Tewksbury, 2008
President, CVJC
Photo by Itamar Gat
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1. Riverside Park............................... Carnival
2. Big Top Tent................................. Opening Ceremonies, Pie Eating Contest, Live Music Kid’s Day
3. Chagrin Falls High School............. Hot Air Balloon Races, Olde Tyme Baseball
4. Philomethian Gym........................ Blossom Time Run Registration
5. United Methodist Church.............. Blossom Time Run Church Service
6. Triangle Bandstand.......................Taste of Chagrin, Blossom Time Run Awards, Live Music
7. Blossom Time Kiddie Run
8. Blossom Time Run & Walk
9. Blossom Time Parade Route
10. Memorial Day Parade to Cemetery - Start
11. Parade Staging
Ride Bracelets
• Thursday One Session: 5:30-10:30 $15
• Friday Two Sessions: All Day Special 2:00-10:30 $20 Evening Session 5:00-10:30 $15
• Saturday Two Sessions: Afternoon Session 10:30-5:00 $15 Evening Session 5:00-10:30 $15
• Sunday Two Sessions: Afternoon Session 10:30-5:00 $15 Evening Session 5:00-10:30 $15
The park will not be open on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.
Blossom Time Map
Photo by Itamar Gat
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Thursday Entertainment ThursdayMay 21
All Evening Chagrin Valley Family Night Sponsored by Chagrin Valley Jaycees - Midway
5:30 - 10:30 p.m. Carnival Riverside Park (Rides Open)
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony Riverside Park - (BTT)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Brent Kirby Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
8:00 - 8:30 p.m. Pie Eating Contest Riverside Park - (BTT)
8:30 p.m. Blossom Balloon Glow Sponsored by Heinen’s Fine Foods, Willoughby Supply & HeyButler.com (Weather Permitting), Chagrin Falls HS
8:30 - 10:30 p.m. The Church Boys Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
Riverside Park Closes at 11:00 p.m.
BTT = Big Top Tent
Church BoysChurch Boys was originally spearheaded by Horace Spivey and a group of musicians that performed at various church-es playing gospel; however, they also shared an ambition to play jazz. As the group began to play locally, they gained popularity.
For this event, Church Boys is proud to announce that they have as their guest musicians and recording artists, Herb Wilborn, Jr. on flute, and reknown pianist Joe McBride.
Photo by Itamar Gat
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Photo by Itamar Gat
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2:00 - 10:30 p.m. Carnival Riverside Park (Rides open)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Joe Rohan Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - BTT
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Chagrin Falls High School
8:30 - 9:00 p.m. Pie Eating Contest Riverside Park - BTT
9:00 - 10:30 p.m. The Girls Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - BTT
(BTT) = Big Top Tent Riverside Park Closes at 11:00 p.m.
Friday May 22 Friday Entertainment
Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
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The Pride of Lake County and the surrounding Cleveland area, The Girls Band brings solid 3-part harmonies and unique musical and rhythmical arrangements to rock, country, R&B and pop music.
Fronted by three beautiful, young and talented award-winning vocalists, The Girls band has been awing crowds and setting attendance records at events and venues throughout Northeast Ohio, and has been chosen multiple times to open for national recording Artists.
The Girls band features vocals by Brittany Klarich, Carrie Vieweg and Laura Fedor and the instrumentalists Dan “Slick” Watkins, Eric Winfield, Tom Foster, Walt Vieweg, Bill Kovatch and Dan Rose.
Joe Rohan
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Blossom Time... Chagrin Falls at its best!
Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
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6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Fly into Chagrin Falls High School
9:00 - 1:00 p.m. Kid’s Day Games, Jungle Terry, Blossom Time Queen & Her Court (BTT)
10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Alan Stay Clown Triangle Park
10:00 - 12:00 p.m. Seonna - Riverside Park - (BTT)
10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Chagrin Valley Jaycees/Cleveland Clinic Blossom Time Run Pre-Registration C.F. Intermediate School Gym - Philomethian St.
10:00 - 6:00 p.m. Clear Choice Custom Lasik Taste of Chagrin Triangle Park
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Carnival Riverside Park (Rides Open)
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Coventry Jones Triangle Park
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Red Hackle Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Midway
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Alan Stay Clown Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Midway
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. New Orleans Jazz Ensemble Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Midway
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Andrea Razavi & Friends Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Triangle
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Steve Jochum Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Pie Eating Contest - (BTT)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Beatle Mania Live Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Chagrin Falls High School
8:30 - 9:00 p.m. Pie Eating Contest - (BTT)
9:00 - 10:30 p.m. Armstrong Bearcats Band Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT) BTT = Big Top Tent Riverside Park Closes at 11:00 p.m.
Saturday May 23 Saturday Entertainment
The Rock n’ Blues Rock sounds of the Armstrong Bearcats Band - Power Trio consists of over 35 years of professional experience. Each member started on these instruments at around the age of 10, and have all performed around the world throughout their careers. Now playing some of the hardest driving blues-based rock-n-roll that you’ll ever hear! With Butch Armstrong on lead guitar and vocals, Stutz Bearcat on bass guitar and vocals and Billy Coakly on drums.
Beatle Mania Live - Fresh off their world tour which included stops in Malaysia, Brazil, Hong Kong and New Orleans Mardis Gras, Beatle Mania Live lands in the Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival. This group has everything -- The Look, The Sound, and The Mannerisms of the original Fab Four. All of your Beatle favorites -- and all 100% Live! Stephen Sheridan as John, David John as George, John Preston as Ringo, and Chagrin Falls native Mac Ruffing as Paul are ready to bring their “British Invasion” tour to Blossom Time!
Andrea Razavi has been living a musical dream, recently playing at the House of Blues, Tower City Amphitheater, and performing backup vocals and rhythm guitar on the Cleveland club circuit with veteran rocker Ted Riser.
Her sons, Micheal and Teddy Hook will join her as part of her Blossom debut.
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Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
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6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Fly into Chagrin Falls High School
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Chagrin Valley Jaycees/Cleveland Clinic Blossom Time Run Pre-Registration C.F. Intermediate School Gym - Philomethian St.
8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Blossom Time Run Church Service The United Methodist Church - S. Franklin St.
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Blossom Time Run & Fitness Walk (5.25 miles) - Downtown Chagrin Falls
10:00 - 6:00 p.m. Clear Choice Custom Lasik Taste of Chagrin Triangle Park
10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Carnival Riverside Park (Rides Open)
10:45 a.m. Chagrin Valley Jaycees/Cleveland Clinic Blossom Time Kiddie Run South Franklin Street
11:00 a.m. Chagrin Valley Jaycees/Cleveland Clinic Blossom Time Run Award Ceremony Triangle Park
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Hurricane Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Triangle Park
2:00 - 4:00 p.m. 53rd Annual Willoughby Supply Blossom Time Parade
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Carly Tanchon Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - Triangle Park
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Alex Bevan Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
4:30 p.m. Old Time Baseball Presented by Evans Printing - Chagrin Falls High School
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Chagrin Falls High School
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Waterband Sponsored by Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center - (BTT)
BTT = Big Top Tent C.F.H.S. - Chagrin Falls High School Riverside Park Closes at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday May 24 Sunday Entertainment Chagrin Falls Alumnus, Carley Tanchon has spent the past several years ambitiously working toward the musical endeavors and dreams she set out to achieve since her high school graduation in 2004. After studying at Berklee College of Music and touring the country, playing venues everywhere from Las Vegas to New York, and Boston to Washington DC, Carley now lives in Nashville, TN, where she recently released her debut album, Peridot. The project encompasses 12 original songs of a folk/rock style which explore the utmost of her passionate creativity and possess the honesty that will certainly carry her through a long, successful career. Five years later, and two cities apart, Carley still teams up with fellow alumnus, Adam Tressler, (currently living in New York City), whose innovative guitar-playing drives the album. The two join together with their full band on Sunday afternoon, immediately following the parade, to showcase the new release. CD’s will be available for purchase at the Chagrin Falls Alumni Booth throughout the weekend and at the show. Keep up to date with Carley’s latest activities and tour schedule by visiting: www.carleytanchon.com
WaterbandDavid “Dreadlock Dave” McDougald - Bass, & Other Stuff... John Welton - Guitar, & Other Stuff... Rick Phillips - Guitar & Other Stuff... John Smith - Drums & Other Stuff... Folkedelicfunkpop for your body mind & soul!!!”
Alex Bevan - Singer/Songwriter from the cold waters of the Prince William Sound up in Alaska, to Mallory Square down in Key West, the ”Skinny Little Boy from Cleveland, Ohio” has gathered experiences and stories, both real and fantastic, and then lovingly crafted them into wonderfully engaging songs. His superb song writing style and masterful acoustic guitar playing, couple with his quick and agile wit, have made him friends and fans all over the United States. Alex has been a musical resource in the Northern Ohio musical community for some time.
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Photo by Itamar Gat
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2008 Blossom Time RunAward Winners
Warm Up for the 33rd AnnualBlossom Time Run!
This year the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and the Cleveland Clinic Chagrin Falls Family Health Center will host the 33rd Annual Blossom Time Run. The 5.25 mile rolling (and some not so rolling) hills course runs through Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge, and Bentleyville. While runners enjoy the beauty of the Chagrin Valley they are cheered on by residents along the way. The Blossom Time Run, one of the biggest in Northeast Ohio, and a Blossom Time tradition, draws approximately 2000 participants each year. Come down to the Village to see the 9:00 a.m. start at the intersection of Bell and Main Streets, then walk to South Franklin Street to take in the finish and the Taste of Chagrin.
Along with the Run is the 1 mile Fitness Walk. Walk participants line up behind the runners and start at the same time then are shown where to turn off the main course to the finish. Immediately following the run is the Kiddie Run. The Kiddie Run starts at the finish line on South Franklin. Registration is held at the Intermediate School Gym on Philomethian Street on Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., or on Sunday before the run.
Use the registration form opposite this page, or pick one up at the registration session. Also, don’t forget to check your finish results online at www.hermescleveland.com.
1st Chagrin Valley Resident ManChris Smith 28:31Chagrin Falls
1st Chagrin Valley Resident WomanCarrie Doerr 34:59Chagrin Falls
First Five Men Time City
1. Fred Keiser 26:39 Cleveland
2. Chris Smith 28:31 Chagrin Falls
3. Brandon McGee 28:47 Hiram
4. Bill Dennison 28:49 Painesville
5. Jake Dalesandro 28:52 Ravenna
First Five Women Time City
1. Taryn Surtees 32:17 Chagrin Falls
2. Jocelyn Rood 32:26 Rocky River
3. Christine Collins 33:00 Columbus
4. Lisa Grubb 33:36 Newbury
5. Elizabeth Hanson 34:44 Euclid
Special Awards1st Masters ManRon Dorfeld 29:13 Age 44 Brunswick
1st Masters WomanChristine Ganz 34:47 Age 47 Sagamore Hills
Overall 2008 Award Winners
Photo by Itamar Gat
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Memorial Day
7:00 - 8:30 a.m. Heinen’s/Willoughby Supply/HeyButler.com Hot Air Balloon Race Fly into Chagrin Falls High School
10:00 a.m. Memorial Day Parade to Cemetery Chagrin Falls Shopping Plaza
Monday May 25
Photo by Itamar Gat
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On Sunday, May 24, WILLOUGHBY SUPPLY and the Chagrin Valley Jaycees will present the Annual Blossom Time Parade, celebrating its 53rd Anniversary. This event is traditionally the climax of the Blossom Time Festival. It has become one of the finest and most colorful parades in Northeast Ohio. This celebration was held annually in Chagrin Falls prior to World War II, and was revived by the Jaycees 53 years ago with much success. Bands, floats, fire engines, marching units, antique cars and clowns from all over the state of Ohio have been among the featured attractions in past years.
Previous years’ parades have charmed an estimated 60,000 spectators, and an even larger crowd is expected for 2009! We cordially invite you to help make this the most memorable in its history by entering a float, marching band, color guard or other parade display. (Floats must not exceed 13 feet in height or 10 feet in width.) Use your imagination and creativity for a big salute to this year’s theme...
Blossom Time Parade
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Photo by Itamar Gat
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Hot Air BalloonGlow and Competition
• Pilot Bios and Photos• Blossom Time Glow
pages 40-44
presented by
Photo by Itamar Gat
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Bill is the originator and organizer of the Blossom Time Festival. This year, Captain Billy will fly the ‘Ugliest Duckling’. The design is a variation on the ‘Ugly Duckling’ theme. Bill became interested in ballooning in 1985 and was licensed in 1986. In 1987, he helped organize the local effort for the Great Balloon Lift for Farmers and received the 1988 NOBPA President’s Award for his work. Bill enjoys competitive ballooning events, having participated in 10 US Nationals, finishing 16th a few years ago. He has also participated in all 4 of the US Team Championships in Battle Creek, Michigan, with a 2nd place finish in 1997, and has crewed for 2 world championships. Bill’s most memorable ballooning event was the 1988 Trans-Australian Challenge -- an 18-day event that spanned the continent from Perth to Sydney. At a recent safety seminar, noted safety aeronaut, Dr. Dennis Helmuth, singled out Bill as a role model to other balloonists for his innovative landing techniques.
A pilot since 1990, Bill has over 1450 hours as Pilot in Command. In February of 2001, Bill headed up the NightStar Project that set three new Aviation World Records for an AX5 category hot air balloon. He personally flew NightStar I, which set a new Duration of flight World Record of 12 hours 21 minutes and 36 seconds. This 12-hour flight under a full moon, Bill describes as ‘the most beautiful and enchanting flight’ he has ever flown. Bill has been awarded a BFA Direc-tor’s award in 1997 for his efforts in promoting safety and education to the balloon pilot com-munity. He is a two-term past president of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilots Association and has chaired several standing committees of the BFA. In 1995, Bill was the NOBPA Club Competi-tion Champion. As a flight instructor, Bill teaches several student pilots each year. With his wife Sandy, Bill owns and operates Amish Country Balloon Tours in Bainbridge.
This is Gene’s 2nd year competing at Blossom Time and is again looking forward to it. He got his start in ballooning in 1991 when he began crewing for local pilots, Terry Wasson & Craig Lucas. He began lessons and received his private pilot license in 2001. His crew consists of wife, Lauren, and crew member, Tim White. Gene is a College Recruiter for Progressive.
Although Mike has been participating as a pilot at Blossom Time since 2004, he has been involved ‘behind the scenes’ since 1993. He has worked on the competition committee in many different capacities over the years, as Chief Measurer, Target Verification, Landowner Relations and Field Operations. Since receiving his private pilot license in 2000, he has taken 1st place in the BFA Long Jump Competition 3 times. He has flown from Findlay, Ohio to Steubenville, Ohio, at up to 80mph, a flight of over 3 hours covering a distance of 150 miles. Mike enjoys traveling to New Mexico each October to fly with 700 other balloons at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Cynthia started dreaming of being a balloonist at the age of 10 when she got a tethered hot air balloon ride. While at Kent State University, she was able to attend a balloon rally in Ravenna, which rekindled her interest. Shortly before college graduation, she began to crew for local balloonist’s Bill Lavigna and Dennis Wright. She served as Observer Coordinator for the Chagrin Falls rally for 3 years before deciding to take flight lessons. She received her private pilot license the same day as fellow pilot, Ken Kus, after training with instructor, Bill Cloninger in the Carson Valley of Nevada. Her most memorable flight was her first one in her new balloon as she realized her dream had finally come true. Cynthia is a Licensed Physical Therapist and a CPA. She lives in Russell and loves flying in this area.
Ken is a local pilot who logged over 250 hours as Pilot in Command. He was the 2000 NOBPA Rookie of the Year and won the NOBPA Club Championship in 2003 & 2008. He also enjoyed participating in the BFA Longjump Competition in 2003 & 2004, flying at altitudes up to 12,500 ft and covering 188 miles in 4 hours. Ken is self-employed and works as a service contractor in the northern Ohio area. Ken’s crew consists of Paul Wolfe, Dan Nimietz, and Kathy Jakupcik. Ken is looking forward to defending his Blossom Time Championship from 2008.
Craig and his wife Peggy are back for another year at the Blossom Time Festival. He won here in 2007. He has competed at rallies in Ashland, Ohio, Meadville, Pa., Canton, Ohio and Statesville, NC. Craig is a past-president of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot’s Association. Craig feels it is a great honor to compete and to have won on his own turf in Chagrin Falls. Several years ago, during our sponsor flight, Craig enjoyed landing in his own neighborhood. Having a rally in his hometown gives him the opportunity to share the experience with many friends in the area. He and his crew are always active participants in the parade. It is a tradition that makes Chagrin Falls stand out among the other balloon rallies they attend. He especially enjoys flights that take him over downtown Chagrin. The view is breathtaking and the sound of the falls can really be heard even way up in the balloon. His goal this year is to fly safe, have fun, and be as competitive as possible.
Jeff received his license in 1995 and was part of the winning team at the Canton Hall of Fame Balloon Festival in 2006. He has close to 400 hours as PIC. Sandy, his wife, has had her pilot rating since 1998 and has been one of the top-ranked female competitors in this area.They have built several balloons in the past few years and have built an airplane. Welcome to Chagrin, Jeff and Sandy.
In the Fall of 1981 Roy quit his real job and took to the road for the first time doing some limited flying for Bell Systems Yellow Pages and Seven-Up. He did so with the understanding there would be no work during the winter, but he survived. The following season, Spring of 1982, he was again on the road and has been there ever since.Roy has spent some time piloting special shapes like the United Van Lines moving van, the Energizer Bunny and the WTBS Anniversary Cake. For Roy the transition was an easy one. “Once the balloon is inflated, flying a special shape is not all that difficult. You have a volume of air that you have to heat in order to provide lift and you have vents to get you down. The biggest difference in flying shapes is their mass and their reaction times - they are a little slower to climb and a little harder to stop in a descent.” In his time as Pilot in Command he has more than 2600 hours and has flown to a height of 22,500 feet.
Terry began ballooning in 1978. He received his private pilot’s certificate in 1979 and his commercial certificate in 1982, and has over 500 hours as pilot in command. He has flown in ‘The Big One’, better known as the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, the Mountaineer Balloon Festival in Morgantown, West Virginia, and in the US Nationals. For him ballooning is a family event. Terry moved out of state in 2008, but has come back ‘just to fly in Blossom Time.’ Terry’s crew includes his son, Eric as crew chief, his daughter Deidre, and her husband, Brian and Jack & Peter. Terry will be flying his balloon, Free Spirit IV, this year, which was designed by Eric, who is also a hot air balloon pilot.
Not only is this Zach’s first year in Chagrin Falls, but he is also the youngest pilot at Blossom Time this year at the age of 20. He fell in love with balloons at the age of 9 when he was asked to help crew for a balloon at the Ashland Balloon Festival. Zach is currently an Advertising major at Kent State University where he has almost fully developed his ‘sucking up’ skills, which he hopes to put to good use in attempting to gain entry into other ballooning events. Zach flies his balloon named Conglomerations, as it has many parts from other ballooning friends. He wants to say “Thank You” to everyone who has helped him put his balloon together.
This will be Jim’s second year competing at Blossom Time. His most memorable flight was a fun flight in Marysville, Ohio. The winds provided him with a box, which allowed him to go out 3 miles from his launch site, change altitude, and fly back to land at the same place he took off from. In his spare time, Jim helps out at the Marysville balloon repair station. His crewmembers are Brent Hamric and Jason Chapman.
THE UGLiEST DUCKLiNG
Pilot: Bill Lavigna Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Navy, black, pink and purple with a yellow design
Lindstrand AX 7 69,000 cu ft
SCRAPPY
Pilot: Bill Cloninger Bainbridge, Ohio
Stripes of navy, teal, and lemon neon
Aerostar AX890,000 cu ft
FREE SPiRiT iii
Pilot: Eugene Kenyo Solon, Ohio
Red balloon with yellow and orange
BalloonWorks AX7
THE UGLY DUCKLiNG
Pilot: Mike Murray Novelty, Ohio
Navy, royal, and purple with a pink stripe and Heinen’s logo
Cameron 84,000 cu ft
AFTERNOON DELiGHT
Pilot:Cynthia Hatfield Chagrin Falls, Ohio Blue/yellow/red with white stars
Aerostar RX7 77,000 cu ft
DiAMOND GiRL
Pilot: Ken Kus Auburn, Ohio
Blue, white, red diamond patterns
Aerostar RX 8 90,000 cu ft
BOLERO
Pilot: Craig Lucas Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Red with a black spiral
Balloonworks AX7 77,000 cu ft
TUMBLEWEED
Pilot: Jeff Barlett Sharpsville, PA
Blue with yellow and red diamonds
Homebuilt
UNiTED VAN LiNES
Pilot: Roy Caton Cedar Hill, MO
White, blue, and yellow with logos
Lindstrand 90A
FREE SPiRiT iV
Pilot: Terry Wasson Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Red, yellow, and green
BalloonWorks AX7
CONGLOMERATiONS
Pilot: Zach Burgess Ashland, OH
Black stripes withmulti-colored gores
BUTTER KNOT
Pilot: Jim Cusick Westerville, Ohio
Yellow with 2 red and green horizontal rings
Lindstrand AX 7
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BT09-layout.indd 40-41 5/1/09 11:35:56 AM
I was involved in ballooning from the start as my father was a pilot. I got my private license in 1995 and my first balloon was Beachball, originally owned by Gil and Annie Pryne. I have flown in many states in the US, but never outside of the country. Included in my favorite flights are flying the homebuilders event in Post Mills, VT in the White Mountains and flights in Albuquerque when the box is in effect. My balloon is a homebuilt that I designed from scratch. Because of the shape and the unexpected length of time it took to build, I named it ‘Slow Drip’.
For the past eight years, Glo has been a pilot for America’s tallest hot air balloon, the Energizer Bunny® Hot Hare Balloon. She belongs to an elite group of only six women in the United States who make their career as full-time professional corporate balloon pilots.
Shortly after moving from the suburbs of Chicago to Albuquerque, Glo got hooked on hot air balloons and immediately became involved in many facets of ballooning. She served as a member of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, was an official Fiesta Scorer, chaired the Balloon Fiesta chase crew committee, and served on several committees for the Albuquerque balloon club.
Glo’s ballooning career has taken her to over 40 states, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Flights in Europe took her over the vineyards of the Burgundy region and Chateaux in France, ancient castles in Italy, and luscious chalets in Austria.
Rob is a past president of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot’s Association and was head of their competition division in 1993. He is a sculptor and ceramic artist. His wife, Marty, (also an art-ist and pilot), and he have named their balloon ‘Boojum” after a mythical creature from the writ-ings of Lewis Carroll. Rob has participated in the U.S. Nationals since 1989 and the Battle Creek Internationals since 1990 and had a 1st place fin-ish in the first “Land Run Task”. One of the more interesting flights he has flown came in October of 1997, when he accompanied Mike Emich on the shakedown flight of his new homebuilt bal-loon, with which Mike planned to set a new world record. “We flew at maximum weight and tem-perature. I was amazed at how often we had to burn to keep flying level. It made me appreciate the skill he would need to accomplish his record attempt.” Marty, Sherry Yuncker, John Russ and James Mihaly will be crewing for Rob this year in Chagrin.
Mike, a firefighter and paramedic, has been a balloon enthusiast since he was 15. He has over 1200 hours of flight time and pilots both gas and hot air balloons. In 1985, Mike set the U.S. National Distance record for FAI CAT, AA-4 Gas Balloons and was the recipient of the BFA Shields-Trauger Memorial Award, the highest award in American ballooning. In 1986, he also received the Lighter Than Air Society Achievement Award. Also a skydiver, Mike holds a Class-D Expert Jumper rating as a Jumpmaster and Jump Pilot and has logged over 1,290 parachute jumps. A 14-hour night gas balloon flight over Lake Erie and Lake Ontario counts as one of Mike’s most interesting flight experiences. For over 3 years, Mike devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to the Earthwinds project. He has also constructed and flown seven experimental hot-air balloons of his own design and has resorted two gas balloons. On January 10, 1998, Mike set a new world distance record for category AX-5 hot-air balloons in a 270-mile flight using a balloon of his own design and construction.
Janet has been flying at Chagrin for many years. She became involved in ballooning by crewing for several different balloons and is an accomplished balloon photographer. For her, the next logical step was to get her pilot’s license so she started as a student pilot in 1992. She has since accumulated over 270 hours as pilot in command. She considers ballooning a great sport for socializing – she has met so many nice people and it has given her a chance to do and share something fun with her family. Janet achieved the honor of ‘Rookie of the Year’ from the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilots Association in 1995. Her husband, Jerry, is her crew chief. Janet says that ‘every flight is a new and wonderful learning experience and that she loves her crew!’ Some of her most memorable flights were flying the special shape balloon, ‘Mr. Winter’ in Arizona and flying in the 25th anniversary of the Albuquerque Balloon fiesta. She says her favorite flights are when she lands and ‘there are a hundred kids to greet you.’ Her crew consists of many family members and friends, including her husband Jerry, and Karen, Kristen, Donna, Diana, Shirley, Bob, Peggy and her daughter, Grace.
John retired from his job at First Merit Bank this year. He is a commercial pilot and has logged over 550 hours as Pilot in Command since he received his certificate in 1998. He enjoys flying in local rallies such as Ashland, Canton and Meadville and attends at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where he was named ‘Pilot of the Day’ in 2002. He also runs the Falcon’s Nest balloon repair station in Cortland. Please welcome John and his crew, John & Jennifer Stanhope, and Brian & Ruth Wells to Chagrin.
Ken’s interest in balloons began in 1979. Not knowing that morning flight meant sunrise, he went to a balloon rally, arriving at 9:30 to find all the balloons already had gone. Since then, he has accumulated over 24 years ballooning experience and is a commercial pilot for RE/MAX Realty. He has won several balloon competitions and has flown in Kenya, Africa with Bob Zanella. He crewed for Mike Emich’s Hydrogen Gas Balloon launch in 1985 and the Earthwinds attempt in 1992. Ken has taught high school science, worked for Goodyear Aerospace for 25 years, and retired in 1991. He is now self-employed as ‘Job Jar Man’, doing handyman work of all kinds and flying hot air balloons. He and his wife Dian are welcomed back to Chagrin again this year.
Bob and his wife have traveled all the way from Wisconsin with their special shape balloon, “Rubber Duckie” to participate in this year’s Blossom Time Balloon Festival. Bob went for a balloon ride in 1992 and loved it so much he went right out and bought a balloon. He received his pilot certificate in 1993 and has accumulated over 500 PIC hours since then. He flies in rallies across the US, including the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Bob is a technical representative for a roofing company. Please welcome the O’Brien’s to our beautiful community. They love to participate in the Blossom Time Parade every year!
Joe has been very busy since he obtained his pilot certificate in 2001. He already has over 350 hours as PIC and has participated twice in the US Nationals, finishing 5th in 2006. He also finished 6th in the World Championships last year. This is his second year competing in the Blossom Time Balloon Festival. Please welcome him back to Chagrin Falls!
Jim regularly competes in races in the mid-west and Canada. His accomplishments include be-ing a member of the US team to the 6th and 10th world championships, finishing 5 times in the top 10 in the US Nationals and qualifying for and participating in every North American Championship. His is also the 1979 Missouri Governor’s Cup Winner, the 1988 Kodak Balloon Fiesta Champion, the 1988 and 1990 Illinois State Champion and the winner of the 1992 and 1993 Blossom Time Balloon Festival. Jim is past-president of the Northeast Illinois Balloon Asso-ciation. As Graphics Coordinator for the Balloon Federation of America, he has designed logos for the BFA and the Competition Division. He and his wife, Eileen, also a graphics illustrator (and his crew chief), designed their own balloon. Jim, along with his wife, and children Kim, Kelly and Kia have always enjoyed coming to Chagrin every year because ‘it’s fun’!
Like many balloon pilots, Denny became infatuated with the possibility of becoming a hot air balloon pilot during his first balloon flight in 1983. He has been flying balloons ever since and loving every minute in the air. During the past 20 years, he has had the opportunity to make many friends in this wonderful sport of ballooning. He now owns Fun Makers, Inc., which includes balloon rides, climbing walls, zip lines, dynamic advertising and promotional inflatables. Because ballooning has been part of his career for the last 20 years he can truly say that he loves his job. In the sport of ballooning he has had the opportunity to promote ballooning in various organizations including the Balloon Federation of America, NABA and the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot Association, of which he is honored to be a past president. He has had the opportunity to participate in many challenging ballooning events across the country as pilot and sometimes as a race official. He has won many balloon races and challenges over the years but his most cherished reward in ballooning has been the wonderful people he has encountered along the way.
Debby, a research nurse at MetroHealth Medical Center, became interested in hot air ballooning while visiting her brother in Albuquerque. She became a pilot in 1997 and went on to set 2 AX5 Feminine World Records in February 2001 for a flight of over 9 ½ hours covering a distance of 180 miles. Debby has been awarded the NOBPA Women’s Championship from 2003 thru 2006. She has flown in rallies throughout the US & in Mexico. In 2002 she took 2nd place in the Wildhorse Women’s Balloon Shootout in Pendleton, Oregon. She has participated as a pilot at Chagrin for several years and has been Balloonmeister (event director) since 2006.
SLOW DRiP
Pilot: Shanon DonnellyKent, OH
Yellow and dark bluewith black steps between
Homebuilt 60,000 cu. ft.
ENERGiZERBUNNY
Pilot:Glo Kehoe
BOOJUM
Pilot: Rob Mihaly Lakewood, Ohio
Black with red, yellow, blue, green and pink horizontal stripes
Cameron O-65 AX765,000 cu ft
SECOND WiND
Pilot: Mike Emich Akron, Ohio
Blue, black, red, orange, yellow, white
Homebuilt - Emich S-65-16 AX-765,000 cu ft
MOONLiGHT SUN-ATA
Pilot: Janet Lutkus Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Light blue with celestial pattern
Aerostar AX 7 77,000 cu ft
CELEBRATiON
Pilot: John Moran Cortland, Ohio
Black, White & Hot Pink Vertical Stripes
Aerostar 105,000 cu ft
RE/MAx
Pilot: Ken Myers Akron, Ohio
Red, white, and blue with Re/Max logo
Aerostar AX 8
STELLAR
Pilot: Jim Neill Riverwoods, Illinois
Blue with yellow starsHomebuilt 65,000 cu. ft.
RUBBER DUCKiE
Pilot: Bob O’Brien Saxeville, Wisconsin
Yellow Duck
Lindstrand AX8
FREEBiRD
Pilot: Joe Zvada Wadsworth, Ohio
Yellow, with a birdlike design
Aerostar AX6
UNNAMED
Pilot: Denny Welser Tallmadge, Ohio
Black with rainbow colors every other gore
Head AX7
DULCiNEA
Pilot:Debby Young Newbury, Ohio
Yellow with red and purple vertical gores
Aerostar RX 8 90,000 cu ft
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BT09-layout.indd 42-43 5/1/09 11:36:00 AM
Chris is no stranger to hot air ballooning. Ever since he was a toddler, Chris has been a balloon enthusiast. As soon as he was old enough, Chris started his pilot training under the instruction of Bill Cloninger. In August of 2003, Chris passed his flight exam and received his hot air balloon pilot license. It was not long before Chris purchased his first balloon, Sky Berry.
Chris grew up in Chagrin Falls and graduated from Chagrin Falls High School in 2003. In 2007, Chris graduated from Walsh University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. He now works at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
This is Jim’s second year participating with one of his balloons in the Thursday night Balloon Glow. He became interested in ballooning in 1990, the year he moved to Bainbridge. That Memorial Day weekend the Blossom Time bal-loons flew over his home several times. He has been crewing for Bill Cloninger since 1999 and decided to start training for his pilot’s license in 2006. Circumstances caused a delay in his train-ing, so in 2007, he went to the Balloon School in Park City, UT and trained in the Heber Valley. One of his most memorable flying experiences is the beauty of that valley at 2000 feet.
NEW HORiZONS
Pilot: Jim MakowskiBainbridge Twp.,Ohio
Purple with a fan of colors up one side and down the other
Aerostar 105,000 cu ft
Blossom Glow
On Thursday Evening, May 21st, at 8:30 p.m. the Blossom Time Balloon Festival will hold its Annual Blossom Glow. This is a great family event and perfect for any photographer.
The balloon launch field will again be located on the practice field at the Chagrin Falls High School campus. The school grounds are located one mile east of the center of Chagrin Falls on East Washington Street. Please note that the parking lot at the launch field is limited and is expected to fill up quickly for the evening flights. It is advised that parking away from the field will reduce traffic problems. For the evening flights a shuttle service will be provided from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Shuttles will run from in front of Riverside Park to the field and from the Chagrin Valley Professional Building to the launch field. The Professional Building, 551 East Washington Street, is located 1/2-mile east of the high school. Please help to reduce traffic congestion and allow access to and from the field by the pilots and chase crews.
Volunteers over 18 are needed to assist Hot Air Balloon Team crews, and/or be part of official measuring and scoring teams for this year’s Blossom Time Balloon Festival. For twenty years, this Festival has been providing Northeast Ohio with the beautiful and thrilling sight of multiple balloon ascensions from the Chagrin Falls area during the Memorial Day weekend. Hot Air Balloon competitions include Hare & Hound chases, precision cross-country navigation, fly-by’s etc. Balloon competition volunteers typically dash around the countryside in the morning and evening with the balloon launch and recovery chase vehicles, or help the official scoring teams. Great fun, excellent opportunities to see and experience the sport of ballooning up close. Training will be provided.
Volunteers Needed
SKY BERRY
Pilot:Chris DiMichele Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Strawberry shape
Aerostar S53A69,000 cu ft
www.chagrinballoonfest.com
P u m p s • W a t e r C o n d i t i o n i n g • D i s p o s a l sS e w e r C l e a n i n g • B o i l e r s • W a t e r H e a t e r s
9988 Kinsman Rd., Novelty, Ohio 44072
OH LIC#17983
Serving the Area Since 1936
440-564-1433Fax 440-564-1436
Photo by Itamar Gat
p.44 p.45
BT09-layout.indd 44-45 5/1/09 11:36:04 AM
We graciously thank the Cleveland Clinic Chagrin
Falls Family Health Center for sponsoring the Blossom Time 2009 entertainment.
1956 Gordon C. Nichols1956 Don E. Langstaff1958 Judge William K. Thomas1958 M. Neal Wheatcraft1959 Ernest P. Stizar1960 Forrest Kermeen1960 Tom Place1961 James H. Solether1961 Dr. Tom D. Rose1962 Carlisle S. Harris1962 John F. Abbott1963 Howard Pugsley1963 David T. Hoopes1964 Ralph L. Quesinberry1964 Robert J. Roeder1965 James W. Hine1965 David E. Griffiths1966 Tom (Tim) Conway1966 Theodore Gurney1967 Jud Platz1967 Hugh V. Young1968 Jesse A. Hall1968 Arthur Kvacek1969 Charles Hern1969 Richard Evans1970 Allen J. Tenny1970 David Egleston1971 D. Thomas Dayton1972 Roy V. Nichols1972 Curtis Blazer1973 Kathryn Watterson1973 Patrick Casey1974 Lewis C. Wheeler1974 Donald G. Voorhees1975 Mayford Whaley1975 Don A. Lawrence1976 Marilyn J. Gordon1977 John F. Ferlito1977 Jerald L. Maus
1978 Aloise Weicker1978 Marguerite Kelly1979 David Griffith1979 Walter Mosenthal1980 Jack Bares1981 Sally Taft1981 Douglas P. Jones1982 E. Davis Caldwell1982 David Otten1983 Gregory C. Robinson1983 William H. Mills1984 Bruce C. Kraven1984 James Jackson1985 Lambert Kew1985 John Karpiel1986 Glenn Wyville1987 Fred W. Reinhard1988 Lucile Beattie1989 Mark Vedder1990 Robert Young1991 P. James Kamer, Jr.1992 Richard Bodwell1993 Robert Marquart1994 Grace Bartley1995 Serapio “Scrap” Zalba1996 Jack Phillips1997 Bill Koons1998 Thomas G. Mattern1999 Beth Skeel2000 Lt. Bob Cockrell2001 Art Newman2002 Don Chester2003 Barbara Taggart2004 Jack Taylor2005 Jim Jimison2006 Jim Alunni2007 Bill & Carol Foley2008 Janice Evans2009 Bill O’Donnell
American Legion Post 383
Bikes for Kids
Bright Side of the Road Foundation
CASA For Kids
Chagrin Falls Alumni Association
Chagrin Falls High School Scholarship Fund
Chagrin Falls Meals On Wheels
Chagrin Falls Park Community Recreation Center
Chagrin Valley Community Recreation Center
Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
Chagrin Valley Little Theatre
Chagrin Valley Womens League
Farimount Fine Arts Center
Fieldstone Farms Therapeutic Riding Center
Geauga County Job & Family Services
Hattie Larlham Foundation
Hiram House
Kenston High School Scholarship Fund
REACT
Rescue Village/Geauga Humane Society
Valley Save-A-Pet
Safety Town
Santa’s Hideaway Hollow
South Russell Show Your Colors
University Hospitals, Ireland Cancer Center
Valley Arts Center
WomenSafe Inc.
2008 DSA Disbursement Recipients
Distinguished Service Awards
p.47
BT09-layout.indd 46-47 5/1/09 11:36:08 AM
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Big Top Tent9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23rd
Jungle Terry
Fun + Games
Kid’s Day
Photo by Itamar Gat Photo by Itamar Gat
p.49
BT09-layout.indd 48-49 5/1/09 11:36:15 AM
Blossom Time swims through my genes.
Generations before me have passed their stories
down through the years. Some tales are so
unbelievable that they have become urban
legends; other stories are filled with hope and joy,
making me proud to be a member of something
so important. No, my family and I are not carnival
operators or part of the Chagrin Valley Jaycees,
we are goldfish – the most sought after prize of
the Blossom Time games – and this is my story.
Many years ago, I found myself swimming with
about 200 of my siblings and cousins in a small
plastic pool. The water was cool and there was
plenty of room for us to swim and chase each
other. We were aware of the bright lights and
loud sounds outside of our pool, but not knowing
where they were, we chose to ignore what we
didn’t understand and enjoy our time together in
the pool.
Our game of tag was suddenly interrupted by the
submersion of a large net. While my cousins and
siblings swam in fear to the far end of the pool,
I was mesmerized by the sight and found myself
unable to move. I had heard stories about this
net and I knew that its appearance meant that
it was time to move beyond the small pool and
into the bright lights and loud sounds that lived
outside our world. Instead of fear, I suddenly felt
a rush of excitement. This was my time and I was
ready to become a part of my family’s legacy.
The net began to rise and I had a brief second to
glance back at my siblings and cousins. Some
cried and began swimming to the net, begging
me to jump back into the pool. But I just waved
my fin at them and yelled “Don’t worry about me!
I’ve waited my whole life for this moment! I’ll
be just fine!” My excitement suddenly turned to
panic. As I was lifted out of the water, the cold,
damp air slammed into my body, making it nearly
impossible to breathe. I fought at unknown
forces, throwing my body one way and then
another against the net.
“Whoa!” laughed the game operator. “You’re a
feisty one, now aren’t you?”
His rough hands cupped my body and poured me
into a small glass bowl. Although I could suddenly
breathe again, I found myself unbearably alone.
No cousins to play with. No siblings to chase.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to be! This isn’t
what I had dreamed about every day of my life!
The game operator placed me on a pyramid of
other bowls filled with goldfish and I saw the look of
fear on each of their faces. I had almost resigned
myself to a life of loneliness when I saw her. She
was the most beautiful and angelic looking little
girl I had ever seen. Not any older than 10, she
had long, brown pig tails, tied with bright pink
bows at the tops and bottoms. Freckles dotted
her nose and her bright blue eyes latched on to
mine.
“Daddy!” She whispered as she gripped the large
hand that belonged to her father. “Can I have a
goldfish?” The large man stopped and looked
down at his little girl. “Fish are a big responsibility,
honey” he said. “You have to feed ‘em and clean
the bowl every few days. I don’t know if you’re
old enough to handle all that.”
“Please Daddy,” she said, never losing eye contact
with me. “I want that fish,” she said, pointing at
me. “I promise I will take good care of him forever
and ever. Please Daddy!”
With his heartstrings pulled tight, the man looked
around to make sure his wife and the little girl’s
mother wasn’t close by. “Your mother is going to
kill me,” he said, but he smiled because he was
remembering back to the time his father won him
his first Blossom Time gold fish and now here he
was making the same memory for his little girl.
“Three tries for two dollars!” the game operator
shouted to the passing crowd. “Right here sir!”
the father said. “My little girl wants her first
Blossom Time fish!”
As the game operator took the man’s money and
handed him three ping pong balls, a group of
three boys suddenly pushed their way through,
blocking my eye contact with the little girl.
Swimming back and forth, I tried to look around
the big boys, searching for the little girl. “Where
is she? Where is she?” I cried to myself. But as I
continued to swim in a panic, I realized someone
was staring at me. Slowing down a bit, I looked
straight ahead and into the eyes of a boy with
nothing but trouble on his mind. Whereas the
little girl’s eyes radiated nothing but love, the
look in this boy’s eyes made my gills stand on
end.
“I want that big fish,” he said to his buddies,
pointing straight at me. “A gold fish? You want a
stupid gold fish?” his friends laughed. “What are
you going to do with a dumb gold fish?” “Just
you wait and see,” he said as his eyes lit with a
menace that made my heart run cold.
Just then, the little girl’s father began to throw
his first ping pong ball. It bounced off the rim of
my bowl and fell to the damp, muddy ground.
“Two more tries!” the game operator taunted.
More carefully this time, the father attempted to
lightly toss the ball into my bowl. However, the
ball missed completely, fell onto the ground and
rolled back toward the father and boys. “Give
me some money,” the mean boy yelled to his
friends. “I spent all my money on those pellet
guns and spray paint!”
“Sorry dude, I only have a few dollars left and
I’m saving them for an elephant ear,” one of his
friends said.
At that exact moment, another family came to
the counter and paid the game operator for a
chance to win a fish. For a brief period of time,
the operator’s attention was distracted, giving
the mean boy the perfect opportunity to reach
over the counter and grab the ping pong ball that
The Legend of the Blossom
Time GoldfishBy Christine M. Thome
p.50
BT09-layout.indd 50-51 5/1/09 11:36:16 AM
rolled toward him. He stretched his arm a little
further and carefully placed it in my bowl. “I won!
I won!” the mean boy shouted. “Give me my fish!
I want that fish right there!” No! I cried. This
can’t be happening. I’m supposed to go home
with the little girl – not this mean boy! Couldn’t
the game operator see that he had cheated?
Just as the operator turned his attention to the
boy, the little girl’s father threw his final ping pong
ball and watched as it again bounced off the rim of
the bowl and onto the ground. “I’m sorry honey,”
he said to the little girl. “We have to meet up with
your mother and your brother now, but I promise
we’ll try again before we leave.” “It’s okay Daddy,”
she said. “Thank you for trying.” The little girl
gave me a look so sad that it grabbed my heart
and squeezed every last ounce of joy out of it.
The game operator poured me and the contents
of my bowl into a plastic bag that made the world
outside look distorted and scary. He handed me
to the mean boy, who immediately pushed his
face against the bag. “Know what my dad used to
do with these kinds of fish in college?” he said to
his buddies. “Eat them! Yep, he said they would
swallow them while they were still alive. You can
feel it wiggling down your throat and into your
stomach!”
“Who wants to eat this little guy, huh?” he taunted
his friends as he waved the bag in front of their
faces. “Dude, that’s disgusting,” one boy said. “I
told you, the only thing I’m eating tonight is an
elephant ear.” The other boy, the one who had
yet to speak, suddenly spoke in a low and hushed
tone. “I heard that if you take the goldfish on the
Gravitron, it will turn itself inside out.” “No way,”
the other two boys gasped. “That’s cool! Let’s try
it!” Inside out?
You mean my insides were suddenly going to be my
outsides? As the boys ran to a large, flying saucer-
looking contraption, I began to resign myself to
the fact that I had failed my family legacy. Instead
of being a prized pet, I was going to die a horrible
death.
My bag banged against the boy’s leg as they ran
faster and faster to the Gravitron. Just as they were
about to enter the ride, a carnival operator placed
his hand on the boy’s shoulder and said “You
can’t take the fish on the ride. Leave it here with
me and you can claim it when you get off.” For a
brief moment, there was a look of disappointment
in the boy’s eyes, but then he handed me and the
bag to the ride operator and mumbled, “Whatever
dude.” I couldn’t believe it! I was saved! Well,
at least for the moment. Who knows what those
boys had planned after the ride.
The ride operator placed me on a table outside the
ride. As I savored my few moments of freedom, I
suddenly caught the eye of the beautiful little girl.
She was standing in line with her brother, waiting
to board the Gravitron. She smiled at me and
gave me a slight wave. I waved a gill back her
way, but I don’t think she saw it. It didn’t matter;
all that mattered is that I got to see her one more
time.
As the mean boys exited the Gravitron, they ran
right past the table where my bag rested.
“Hey kid!” the ride operator yelled. “You forgot
your fish!” The boy looked embarrassed as a
group of girls who had followed them out began
to giggle. “I don’t want that stupid fish!” he yelled
back. “What am I supposed to do with it?” he
mumbled to himself. “Sir?” a soft, sweet voice
whispered. “Can I please have the fish?”
It was the little girl! She had gotten out of line and
she was trying to save me! “Sure,” he said passing
the plastic bag to her. “Save me a trip back to the
goldfish booth.” A rush of joy and relief spread
over me as she held me up gently and smiled the
most beautiful smile I had ever seen.
“I’m going to name him Blossom,” she declared to
nobody in particular. Blossom? Not the manliest
name, I thought, but I could live with it. The
important thing was that I had not failed my family
legacy.
People in Chagrin Falls will tell you that there are
two types of Blossom Time goldfish. The weak
ones who die within 24 hours and then there are
the ones, like me, who live forever.
The little girl took me home and placed me in a
small bowl to which she had added pink stones
and a little pirate ship for me to swim through.
The food she fed me was wonderful and within a
few months, I had outgrown my bowl. For a year or
two after that, the little girl would replace my bowl
with a bigger one, adding more and more toys to
it for me. But one day, I overheard the little girl’s
mother tell her that her father had taken a new
job in Columbus and that the family was moving.
“What about Blossom?” she cried. “Honey,
Blossom is old and it’s too hard to move a fish,”
the mother replied gently. “I think you need to let
him go. Why don’t we place him in the Chagrin
River, right on the bank of the park where Blossom
Time is held every year? He can live among the
other fish and eat the delicious duck food from the
Hardware Store that the children throw.” “Can we
come back to Blossom Time every year so I can
visit him?” she asked her mother. “Absolutely,”
she said with a smile. “Grandma still lives here
and I promise we will come back every year
for the rides, the parade, and to see Blossom.”
“Okay,” the little girl replied quietly. The mother
was right. I probably wouldn’t have survived the
move to Columbus, but that didn’t stop my heart
from breaking. I knew the little girl was doing the
best thing for me, but I was going to miss her so
much. As she poured me into the river, I turned
back and looked at her. She had tears in her eyes
as she waved good bye, promising that she would
be back every year at Blossom Time.
“I looked straight ahead and into the eyes of a boy with
nothing but trouble on his mind.”
BT09-layout.indd 52-53 5/1/09 11:36:17 AM
And you know what? She kept her promise. Every
year, as the rumble of the carnival rides began
to arrive in the park, I knew it would only be a
matter of time before I saw the little girl again.
But after so many years, she was no longer little.
Every year, she grew taller and more beautiful,
but the freckles that scattered her nose were still
there as were her bright blue eyes that searched
the waters for me.
Last year however, was different. As the screams
of delight roared through the park and the bright
lights illuminated the river, I searched for my little
girl who was no longer so little. As I looked at
the faces on the bank of the river, I had to do a
double take.
For there was a little girl sitting in a stroller who
looked exactly like my little girl from so many
years ago. She had bright blue eyes, a scatter
of freckles across her nose and even the same
pig tails with bright pink ribbons at the tops and
bottoms.
For a moment, I thought my old eyes were playing
a trick on me, but then slowly, a grown woman
moved beside the stroller and peered down at
me with a look I had come to know for so many
years.
“Honey,” she said quietly to the little girl in the
stroller as she pointed in my direction. “This is
my fish I told you about. This is Blossom.”
Photo by Itamar Gat
p.55
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Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
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Photo by Itamar Gat
Photo by Itamar Gat
p.58
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Featuring Many ofThe Chagrin Valley’sFinest Restaurants
Saturday & SundayMay 23rd & 24th10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Taste of Chagrin
Photo by Itamar Gat
p.61
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Advertisers index10 West Salon p.56
All Ohio Motorsports p.14
Art by the Falls p.10
Chagrin Hearing Center p.22
Chagrin Valley Jaycees p.6
Christian Science Reading Room p.57
Chuck’s Beverage p.10
Clear Choice Custom Lasik p.14
Cleveland Clinic p.2
CMI p.45
Daisy Hill Greenhouses p.23
Dentistry of Chagrin p.23
DiBella’s p.48
Eric S. Lawrence DDS p.26
Evans Printing Co. p.25
F.O.E. p.45
Fleet Feet Sports p.29
Good Nature p.14
Gottschalk Properties p.19
Hamlet Village p.38
Heinen’s p.64
HeyButler.com p.26
ichagrin.com p.10
Joanne Zettl p.39
Kathryn M. Lyle p.19
Keller Williams p.22
Medical Mutual p.33
MF Sound p.58
Norohio Plumbing p.55
Osbourn Plumbing p.45
Park View Federal p.59
Parkside Church p.35
Pearne & Gordon p.63
Randall Branding + Design p.58
Rick’s Café p.13
Smith Barney p.26
Snavely p.4
South East Golf Car Co. p.35
South East Harley Davidson p.38
South Franklin Circle p.36
Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home p.10
Susan Cogan p.19
The Hills p.48
The Pond p.23
Thomas Coreno DDS p.13
Welshfield Inn p.45
West End Bistro p.62
Whirlyball Lasersport p.26
Willoughby Supply p.3
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