Pilot Justin Elkins watches his crew get the hot air balloon, which he has nicknamed "Dusty," ready for the demonstrations on Friday, July 28 at Casper College. Ashton J. Hacke, Star Tribune
Pilot Justin Elkins shows volunteer Sydney Gurkin how the technical system works on the hot air balloon "Dusty" on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Casper College. Ashton J. Hacke, Star Tribune
The Gurkin siblings unwrap “Dusty” on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Casper College. Ashton J. Hacke, Star Tribune
Pilot Justin Elkins fires up the burners inflating "Dusty" on Friday, July 28 at Casper College. Ashton J. Hacke
A hot air balloon basket gets ready for a demonstration on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Casper College. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
Inside the hot air balloon “Dusty” on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Casper College. -Ashton J. Hacke, Star Tribune
Inside the hot air balloon “Dusty” on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Casper College. -Ashton J. Hacke, Star Tribune
Pilot Justin Elkins turns on the burner while posing with the volunteers who helped get the hot air balloon “Dusty” ready for its demonstration on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Casper. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
A volunteer slows down a hot air ballon as it inflates to its upright position on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Casper College. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
The hot air balloon “Dusty” flys towards Casper Mountain on Sunday, July 30, 2023. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
Taking a break on the ground, balloon pilot Justin Elkins joined the chase vehicle while his father took on the reigns of pilot in their family-owned hot air balloon “Dusty” on July 30, 2023, in Casper. The chase crew's job is to follow the balloon to its unknown landing spot and help the pilot pack up and secure the vessel. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
The hot air balloon “Dusty” lands safely on July 30, 2023, in Casper. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
After landing unannounced on the Wilson's property, the pilot of the hot air balloon “Dusty” gave a bottle of champagne as a peace offering to the early-awoken property owners. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
The Newell couple has champagne poured on them as they participate in a ceremony celebrating their first time riding in a hot air balloon on July 30, 2023, in Casper. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
The Newell couple has champagne poured on them as they participate in a ceremony celebrating their first time riding in a hot air balloon on July 30, 2023, in Casper. ASHTON J. HACKE, Star Tribune
