Inside the Basket - Beverlee Henry, X Marks-the-spot winner

Beverlee Henry is one of 2018’s X Marks-the-Spot winners.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, we learn more about her experience with this new program and her favorite part about participating in Balloon Fiesta as a landowner.

1. Give a brief overview of your background with Balloon Fiesta and how you came to participate in the X Marks the Spot program.
Back in the early 80s we would crew for our friends Jim and Patty Mitchell. We thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. However, after several years of rising early and enduring the cold we decided to stay home and enjoy the show. We are delighted to greet our early visitors.

2. What was your favorite part about participating in the X Marks the Spot program?
We love balloons and meeting new friends! It is exciting to have the pilots exit the gondolas and come to meet us with their arms out stretched and words of thanks. Love it when a balloon flies overhead and a pilot shouts “Hi Beverlee”! (Yes that has happened)

3. About how many balloons landed on your property?
We have been involved with the Balloon Fiesta for many years before “X Marks the Spot.” I must admit though that this year was more active (probably because of the white sheets). The last Saturday of this year’s Balloon Fiesta, we had approximately 40 balloons land. Other days were busy, but not quite like that Saturday.

4. What advice do you have for other local residents looking to participiate in this program?
The only advice that I would give other homeowners is to mark sprinkler heads, well heads, etc. with red reflectors so the crews can readily see them. Oh, and get up early.