Van Anderson, our Balloon Meister, first visited the Adirondack Balloon Festival in New York State in 1983. Impressed with what he saw, he quickly realized that the West Virginia landscape would make a spectacular backdrop for a similar event. He also realized that, as the Director of BOPARC, he was in a unique position to make it happen. During 1984, he talked with Walt Grishkot, who started the Adirondack festival and between the two of them, they turned this vision into reality. In September 1984, the first Mountaineer Balloon Festival took place at the Morgantown Municipal Airport (Hart Field). Jeff Berryman, assistant to Van at BOPARC, worked with Van and Walt on the project and, when Van eventually left BOPARC to pursue other career objectives, Jeff Berryman took over as director. Van has always maintained his commitment to the festival by acting as Balloon Meister; he is always the lead balloon, and is the liaison with the Federal Aviation Authority for the event.

University Motors began its involvement in 1993, when it became the title sponsor, and has been involved in this role ever since. The Toyota Gold Purse, held on Sunday afternoon, offers the biggest race prize - $1,000!

The festival is run and organized this year by Andy Claydon, Jeff Berryman, Van Anderson and a huge committee of very enthusiastic people who want to make this festival one of the very best.

The 2006 festival will be the 22nd Mountaineer Balloon Festival. One year, 2003, was missed due to earth-moving and landscaping operations at Mylan Park.

Directions to the Festival

Dr. Van F. Anderson, Balloonmeister

Mountaineer Balloon Festival Records

Historical Links

Over the Years

Wondeful West Virginia Article (by Van F. Anderson)