Need new ways to create a buzz and increase excitement at your next event?
As a Touchstone Energy® member, you can reserve a hot and/or cold air balloon.
Balloon Program
Hot Air
The Touchstone Energy hot air balloons are available to Touchstone Energy co-ops for competitive hot air balloon events, balloon festivals, annual meetings and other public events. This program consists of a professionally flown and managed, competitive hot air balloon team.
The Touchstone Energy Balloon is available on a first-come, first-served basis through advanced registration. Hot Air Balloons are weather dependent therefore we schedule events in the early or later parts of the day when the winds are the calmest. Customised banners are also available for purchase to co-brand the balloon with your cooperative logo.
Please note, a 60-day notice is required to cancel an event.
Balloon Program
Cold Air
Hosting an indoor event, or just don't have the space for a hot air balloon? Then turn to our cold air balloon program.
These 10-foot inflatable balloons are impressive replicas of the hot air balloon. They display the Touchstone Energy logo and can be co-branded with a banner. You can rent or purchase these easily inflatable balloons to draw public and media attention wherever it is displayed.
Balloon Program
Remote Control
We are piloting new, smaller replicas of the large balloon. As seen in the picture they are smaller than the 75-foot balloon, but still significant in size, standing nearly 30-feet tall. They are controlled by remote function and remain tethered to the ground. They will be most useful in scenarios that do not have the space for the larger balloon. Professional pilots will partner with you to deliver this unique experience.
Meet Your Pilots!
Cheri White
Cheri White is from Austin, Texas and has been flying hot air balloons since 1974 and gas balloons since 2002. Ballooning has been a family sport with her dad, sister, son and niece being pilots. Ten Illinois Electric Cooperatives and Cheri started the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Balloon Program back in 1999. This is the 26th year she has been flying the balloons. Cheri is also past President of the Balloon Federation of America. Over the years, she has continued to compete in hot air events and is a former two time National Women's Champion. She loves sharing the joy of ballooning with the Cooperative family.
Zach Burgess
Zach started flying hot air balloons in 2007 after crewing for years at his local balloon festival. Now, he attends events and festivals across the county throughout the year. Hot air balloons put smiles on faces young and old and there’s just something magical about what we do and getting to share it with others is the best part. Zach’s two boys love flying with him when they can, you may even see them and his wife at different events as part of his crew.
Scott Wooge
After flying balloons for over 32 years, Scott still enjoys the ballooning experience and the people he meets across the world. He has flown in 35 states and 4 countries. Adding a new state every year is a goal. He is a past At-Large Director for the Balloon Federation of America and Vice-President. Also, Scott runs a FAA Repair Station for Hot Air Balloons. Finishing in 1st place in a BFA Long Jump contest is one highlight of his flying. He is a member of the FAA FAAST Team, FAA Ambassador Program as an SME, and speaker at many education Seminars. Scott’s spouse Cynthia, is also a Hot Air Balloon Pilot.
