Statesville-made hot-air balloon is sailing proud

Credit: Regan Hill photo

The sun sets on the patriotic themed hot air balloon bearing stars, stripes and part of the U.S. Constitution Preamble as it's inflated Thursday evening in West Iredell.

By: Bethany Fuller | Mooresville Tribune
Published: July 03, 2010

By the time the sun hit the horizon, a seven-story red, white and blue hot-air balloon adorned with part of the U.S. Constitution Preamble was towering over Keith Gantt's house in western Iredell County.
The balloon design was the creation of owner Mark Fritze, a licensed balloon pilot from Florida. The balloon's envelope was made at Firefly Balloon in Statesville.
The balloon's theme is Fritze's way of reminding people the principles the government was founded on and expressing his discontent with the current course the government is taking.
"It is the government for, of and by the people," Fritze said. "I do believe that document had some divine writing. The way this government is going, it's not by the people anymore."
It took six people — three standing in the balloon's basket and three holding it down — to keep the balloon grounded during its first tethered inflation Thursday.
The heat generated by the burner pushed the silky fabric on the seven-story balloon outward. The envelope went soft and then stiffened as a result of the hot air blown inside.
The reskinning of the balloon was considered a repair, said Gantt, the general manager at Firefly.
This balloon is Fritze's third. He said he always wanted to create a customized design, but envisioned more whimsical subject matter, like clouds and butterflies.
He said he probably got the idea to put the Constitution on a balloon while sitting around and talking about politics. After all, the balloon will make its first public appearance today at the Sopchoppy 4th of July Parade in Sopchoppy, Fla. The balloon will be stationed at the end of the parade route with Fritze's brother-in-law, Paul McKain, who is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 2nd District.
Although he is a registered Republican, Fritze described himself as a conservative libertarian.
In order to get all of the wrinkles out of the new envelope, Gantt and his two Firefly co-workers jumped up and down in the basket. Gantt said the balloon could hold 2,000 pounds safely.
Fritze and Gantt went back and forth about the design. Fritze's first concept was initially going to cost around $60,000. Fritze said it was important for him to display "In God We Trust," as large as possible.
The balloon has 13 stars displayed above the Preamble to represent the original colonies.
Fritze said he is a fan of the simplicity and concept of the balloon.
"There was a lot of thought put into it," he said. "I think it's pretty much exactly what we tried to put together."
Fritze said he likes flying because it puts him just a little closer to God.
"There is magic to it," he said.

Statesville-made hot-air balloon is sailing proud

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