By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

The annual Thurston Classic hot-air balloon event is to soar in the skies

above Meadville once again this June with a couple of new features.

It’s scheduled June 15 to 18 with all events t Allegheny College’s Robertson

Sports Complex off Park Avenue. The Thurston Classic, with 31 balloonists

scheduled this year, annually attracts about 30,000 visitors to the area.

“We’re ready to go,” said Ted Watts, chairman of the classic’s organizing

committee. “Our pilots are in (place for the event) and our volunteers are

chomping at the bit.”

The classic will begin at dusk June 15 with a night glow at Robertson Field.

In the glow, balloons are tethered to the ground and then lighted, giving

off a glowing effect with night fall.

A new feature this year: The night glow will be set to music. Family Fun of

Canton, Ohio, will provide music with balloons lighting up in coordination