A 5-story American flag hot-air balloon inflated at Stevens Institute of Technology was saluted today in anticipation of Independence Day tomorrow.<\/p>\n
The stars and stripes hung over the DeBaun Athletic Field for a couple of hours starting at 7 a.m. At 53 feet tall, 78 feet wide and a depth of 29 feet, and requiring 30 million BTUs of propane to be fully inflated, the balloon claims the title of the world’s largest free-flying American flag.<\/p>\n
The American Flag hot air balloon was created following the terrorist attacks of 9\/11 and has been inflated every year since 2002.<\/p>\n
While balloon pilot Barry DiLibero gave periodic blasts with the burners to keep the balloon inflated, roughly five people controlled the balloon using tethers.<\/p>\n
The event is sponsored by the Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning and PNC Bank.<\/p>\n
The 31st annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place July 26-28 at Solberg Airport in Readington and features 100 sport and special-shape balloons from around the world. The event includes a music festival with bands including REO Speedwagon, Blues Traveler, Big & Rich and Ross Lynch.<\/p>\n
“We are here to salute the American flag and what better way than inflating the world’s largest American flag balloon, our signature balloon,” said festival executive producer, Howard Freeman.<\/p>\n
The balloon is not flown freely because of difficulties getting flight clearance near New York City, Freeman said.<\/p>\n