Celebrating A Legacy of Unity and DiversityFitzgerald, by nature of her founding, appeals to people from every state. At a time when the fires of hatred against Yankees still burned passionately in the hearts of most Georgians, a Union Soldiers’ Colony sprang up almost overnight in a pine forest only ten miles from the scene of the capture of the President of the Confederacy. That Colony, which became the City of Fitzgerald, made history peculiar unto itself - history unparalleled in our nation. Come celebrate a legacy of unity and diversity this November at the Harmony Jubilee at Paulk Park Campground in beautiful Fitzgerald, Georgia.
November 7-9 is your chance to ride in a Hot Air Balloon and see Fitzgerald and the surrounding areas from above! Both tethered and untethered rides will be offered (weather permitting). On Friday, November 7 you are invited to a private Wine & Cheese Tasting and Balloon Glow at Turkey Creek in Fitzgerald. On Saturday, November 8 join us for a full day of festivities! Come visit our Artisan Market showcasing quality handmade and homemade goods and wares crafted by local artists. The Kid Zone will include a bouncy house, coloring and hot air balloon photo-op station, a rock wall, and dancing, guaranteeing you'll bring home one tired kid. There will be musical entertainment throughout the day. The Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library will be providing a character meet & greet and story times about every hour from 10am-2pm. At sundown, the Balloon Glow will light up the park! |
In the News
SATURDAY NIGHT'S HARMONY JUBILEE balloon glow at Paulk Park (above) was a gorgeous spectacle against the sunset and evening sky and lasted almost an hour. Photo courtesy of Carolyn Griffin Photography
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Traditions
Over the long history of ballooning, several traditions have developed.
A common tradition among balloonists is to have a champagne toast upon landing. Legend has it that early French aeronauts carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site. A champagne toast is now often included in commercial sight-seeing flights.
Along with the champagne, a popular toast among balloonists is: "soft winds and gentle landings."
Many balloonists recite the Balloonist's Blessing (Anon, known as 'The Balloonists Prayer') with the champagne toast:
The winds have welcomed you with softness
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands
You have flown so high and so well
That God has joined you in your laughter
and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother earth.
(source)
