Burning Passion for Hot Air Balloons

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Wausau Downtown Airport, WI

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Updated: 11:42 AM Jul 10, 2006

Burning Passion for Hot Air Balloons

Thousands of pounds of fabric, wicker baskets and propane tanks are packed away. After decorating the skies this weekend, Wausau's hot-air balloon rally is over. Julie Huck caught up with a balloonist from New Mexico to tell us what it takes to soar over the skies.

Posted: 5:40 PM Jul 9, 2006
Reporter: Julie Huck

Passion for Hot-Air Ballooning

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He calls himself a "balloonatic." Michael Shrum traveled more than a thousand miles up from New Mexico to showcase his specially shaped balloons at Wausau's balloon rally. And his journey is far from over.

"It's almost an addiction you know, you get into it and you see something and you say that balloon is neat...well does he want to sell it?" says Michael Shrum.

Shrum's addiction began 10 years ago. He saw a hot air balloon filling up and was hooked. He bought one and got his pilot's license to fly it. Since then he spends his weekends and free time traveling to balloon fests across the country. Sharing his love for ballooning with others.

Shrum says, "It's the most peaceful and tranquil thing you'll ever do in your lifetime. I assure you of that. "

But it's an expensive hobby. Plain hot air balloons can cost anywhere from $30,000-40,000. And the special ones, like Shrum's Chili Peppers cost more than $100,000.

Balloonists who bring the specially shaped balloons do get paid to come to the events. But Shrum tells me even though he'd love to make ballooning his career, the money usually only covers his gas to get there.
Shrum says Wausau is one of his favorite rallies because of the people and all of the landing spots available