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Balloon pioneers and the Piccard Trophy race in Minnesota
The piece traces hot air balloon history from the Montgolfier brothers to modern revival, focusing on the Piccard Trophy Balloon Race at St. Paul Minnesota. It explains preflight briefing, target marking near White Bear Lake, gas burner inflation, open gondolas, heat control for altitude, and safe landing via rip panel. The winner is the balloonist landing closest to the target, with navigation as the key factor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Montgelfier
U.S
St. Paul
Minn
White Bear Lake