BalloonFest #2

After lunch, the Poteau Balloonfest was in full swing. John was a little under the weather, so unfortunately he missed out on the fun. There was plenty to see and do, though, and I tried to take it all in. There was a lot going on. It was my first time to watch the Mud Races.  (And in case you're wondering, this truck had a woman at the wheel!)

 Souped-up vehicles of all shapes and sizes plunge into truck-wide pits filled with...MUD...and lots of it. It flies in all directions, and spectators get splattered in the process. The kids, especially, seemed to consider that a badge of honor!  This poor fellow got stuck halfway through the "hill and hole" course and had to be rescued.

And then, there were the dog-and-pony shows. I saw the comedy show, Mutts Gone Nuts, whose stars are all rescue dogs.  They do everything from catching frisbees to jumping rope to high-wire walking and delighted their audience.

 

 

I also saw Joe & Jr., but never could figure out who was Joe and who was Jr. The pretty palomino gelding was very talented.  (Just how many horses do you know that can cross their legs while standing on an upturned bucket?)  And certainly knew how to reach for a treat.   

His little pal spent much of the show in his box, but came out from time to time to do a trick of his own.

 

 

 

America's Best Frisbee Dogs had a great time.  They are also mostly rescue dogs.  Unfortunately, the act took place so late in the afternoon that it was hard to get a good picture of them.

My favorite event was the BMX "Rockstars" Freestyle Team doing tricks on bicycles and skates. Out of Dallas, these three talented extreme sports performers were oustanding and kept all of us cheering. Here are some shots of their high-flying antics. I'll admit, I'm glad my son and grandsons haven't taken up this sport. My heart was in my mouth the entire time, and I can't imagine how anxious their mothers and grandmothers must be when they watch.
 

The "Rockstars" were great, though, and had a positive message about the importance of being drug-free to go along with their performance. Their claims of a enjoying a "drug-free high" certainly resonated.

Of course, there was the midway, and kids enjoying the rides.

There was one particular attraction that the kids were most interested in, but their parents were giving a wide berth. it was the Rabbit Toss.  No....you don't actually toss rabbits.  All you have to do is get a ball in one of the small, floating cups and you can take home a bunny! I heard more than one parent say "not on your life!" or something similar as they steered their youngsters around the temptation.

Just at dusk, a couple of the hot air ballones ignited their propane burners and gave us a "balloon glow" to complete a fun-fillled day.

In this shot, you can see not only the balloon, but one of the several helicopters that were offering rides during the festival. It was a great day!