By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
It was a surprise to the neighbors when hot air balloon landed on Cooper Street in Overton, just behind Maverik. On Saturday, Sept. 26 at around 10:07 am, the blue balloon with a large rainbow stripe came down as a few spectators gathered around to watch.
Some who watched were wondering if it was an emergency landing. It was not.
Last month, Logandale resident Kylee Reeder became certified as a pilot for recreational Hot Air Ballooning. Reeder, 33, is excited to be bringing something intriguing to the community.
“It is so neat to see or hear about families and kids being excited to see the ‘balloon in the sky’!” Reeder said. “I love bringing joy to people’s faces.”
Reeder started about 5 years ago on her journey to be a hot air balloon pilot. “I started helping out as a crewmember for balloon festivals and other events,” she said. “I got hooked. And about a year ago, I was given the opportunity to pursue my pilot’s license.”
Reeder said that she had been working at Valley of Fire State Park when she met a man from Minden, Nevada who was a balloon pilot. “I got invited to help him out and to get training from him,” she said.
Reeder is from Oregon originally. But she has lived throughout Northern Utah, and Southern Nevada.
She and her husband, Nathan Reeder; along with their children; have lived in Logandale for about 3½ years now. Nathan works at Nellis Air Force Base.
The Reeders were drawn to Moapa Valley due to the outdoor atmosphere. They really enjoy being in the outdoors. “The outdoors are a love of my life,” Kylee said. “I really fell in love with the outdoors while in Utah. So much beauty and stuff to do.”
There is one other reason that drew Reeders to Logandale. Kylee happened to have an aunt who lives here.
“Julia Waite is my Mom’s sister,” Kylee said. ‘That was one reason we started checking out living here in the valley.”
Reeder has been flying her balloon a lot lately because of the impression it makes to people in the community.
“I want to be part of the community and its events,” she said. “I hope maybe I can help provide entertainment to events in the valley in the near future and even bring back the candy drop, too.”
After the COVID-19 shutdown are over, she wants to help out with candy drops at events like the Veteran’s Day Parade, the Independence Day Celebration, and other community events.”
Reeder is also more than willing to help educate people and kids about the hot air balloon and its operation.
“The season for this sport is October through February so it is about time for more and more hot air balloons taking to the skies,” Kylee said.
Hot Air Ballooning as a hobby has been around since the 1700’s. There are thousands of balloon festivals per year locally within the United States and as well as internationally.
The two biggest events are the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Grand Est Mondial Ballons in Northern France.
Locally, in January, Mesquite Gaming hosts a Balloon Festival.
“I have participated in the Mesquite Balloon Festival and at Albuquerque as well,” Kylee said. “But I hope to be able to go to France soon.”
In the meantime, Reeder is looking forward to being known locally as “the Hot Air Balloon Woman.”
“I have to thank my son, James for that,” she said. “He tells everyone, including strangers, stories about his mother being a hot air balloon pilot.”
Kylee also expressed gratitude to her trainers Allen Anderson and Kent Barnes.
“Of course I’ve got to thank my official crew chief; my husband, Nathan; for helping my dream come true and the support of hours, finances, and more,” she said.
