Hot Air Balloonless Festival

My parents have been attending balloon festivals throughout the state for over a decade now, with the hopes of seeing a fantastic ascent. In all that time, no balloons. Apparently they are extremely picky about weather conditions. Even the slightest breeze will cancel the show. Last night we headed on out to Chillicothe to try our luck at another festival. I've been dreaming about some lovely balloon photography framed for the guest room. Picture it: bright colored balloons on a beautiful blue sky background with a few wispy clouds completing the photo. Despite my parents' unsuccessful trips in the past, I was confident that I would come home with my much-desired pictures.

After buying tickets and driving 25 minutes out there, we set up our lawn chairs next to the big field, waiting for the magic to begin. It was about 95 degrees and horrible, but I was still optimistic. We waited. Then we waited some more. No luck. Only one balloon even bothered to show up to pretend that there might be a show. The rest knew they wouldn't be lifting off and never made an appearance. What a scam! Thousands of people were disappointed, because let me tell you, a bounce house, belly dancers, and a snow cone are not enough to make the $8 ticket price worthwhile.

Where does this leave me? Instead of whimsical balloon pictures, my guest room will now feature photos of my family looking annoyed, waiting for nothing.