It was another successful year for the 8th Annual Lake Red Rock Balloon Fest.
Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Jill Vandevoort tells KNIA/KRLS News 32 pilots competed, representing areas all over the state of Iowa, as well as Missouri, Illinois, Colorado, and Texas. Friday night’s Iowa State Savings Bank Cup Race winner was Benji Clemons, who returned to the event after stepping away from the sport of ballooning three years ago.
Third place went to Pilot Kenny Jay from Missouri and second place was awarded to Pilot Aaron Gebhart from Indianola. This year’s first place winner was Pilot Rob Nutting of Carlisle. Vande Voort says the winds were in their favor for 3 of the 4 flights this year, as with no way of steering a hot air balloon, safety is extremely important, especially over a large body of water.
Next year’s Red Rock Balloonfest dates have been set for July 12-14, 2019.



The awards were presented by Edward Jones Investments representative, Matt Kissinger, who is also serving as the current Red Rock Lake Association Chair.