It is with great excitement and anticipation that Connecticut Lighter than Air Society (CLAS) announces our plans for a gala evening celebrating our 30th year anniversary as well as the kickoff festivities recognizing the 225th anniversary of the first balloon flight in America which took place in Philadelphia on January 9, 1793.
The plans for our “Night at the Museum” include a world-renowned key note speaker, Troy Bradley, who has accumulated a list of accomplishments in ballooning perhaps unmatched and far too lengthy to fit these pages. He will share his personal thoughts as to what that “First Air Voyage” might have meant to him and led him to his obvious love of ballooning.
We are thrilled to have Bobby Sparks as our “Master of Ceremonies”. Bobby is also a world-class balloonist with many accomplishments, including two Atlantic crossing attempts and is the only person to fly all five great lakes. Recognizing the mass appeal of balloons, he was one of the first corporate balloon pilots in the USA and took that knowledge and skill to a number of foreign countries as well as starting numerous balloon clubs. For us locals he is best known for his story telling and commitment to safety. As an entertainer in his earlier life, Bobby will also share how Blanchard’s historic flight influenced his early commitment to LTA (Lighter Than Air) flight in a unique and interesting way.
All this excitement starts at 6:00 pm featuring a cocktail hour with a cash bar, a small plate reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, and full, exclusive access to this treasure of the New England Air Museum. Be sure to view the “Oldest Aviation Artifact in America”, the Silas Brooks balloon basket during your tour of the NEAM. So mark your calendar and come join us for this once in a life time celebration.
The cost is $70.00 per person for the “Night at the Museum” to celebrate the CLAS 30th Anniversary and kick off a year of celebration with the excitement of FAVIA 225 in Philadelphia.
Payments can be made via check, made out to CLAS, or via PayPal sent to info@aerblarney.com. As a last resort we can accept credit cards. Please call Mick Murphy at 203-910-4955 or CLAS President, Mark Sand at 860-389-6778, if you have any questions.
Please mail payments to:
CLAS
c/o Mick Murphy
92 Town Line Road
Bethlehem, CT 06751