To be honest, I had never heard of this event before and over the next couple of weeks, I tried to help keep the topic alive in my “social” network.
That being said, when Saturday arrived, the kids were very eager to go, and were having a hard time understanding that we were going to be leaving later in the day.
Our plan was to be there for the “Mass Ascension Hot Air Balloon Launch”, which was scheduled to start at 6pm.
Getting there was a breeze, and parking was the typical off-road and on to the grass arrangement.
We got there early enough that the real crows had not gathered, so we were able to leisurely walk around and check up the some of the vendors and get some food.
As we relaxed and ate some dinner, we sat in the field that was allowing folks to walk into semi-inflated interior, and watched as some people climbed into another tethered for a quick ride into the sky..
The starting time for the “Mass Ascension Hot Air Balloon Launch” neared, and we headed toward the viewing area, and managed to squeeze into a small spot.
Both Madison and Logan stretched their necks to see the balloons slowly gaining size as the handlers blew up the balloons with hot air.
Handlers adding hot air to the balloon
We watched as each colorful balloon gained its final shape, and lifted into the air.
Balloons being launched into the air
The last few balloons were taking much longer then the traditional ones to fill with air, and kept may new comers guessing what they were, but it was apparent that they were something complex.
Finally the Clown Head and Haunted Halloween House had taken shape, and in the spirit of the balloon, the crew added a little extra touch to the moment!
Skeleton in the Haunted House balloon
The kids had a great time, and we do plan to go back next year!
A view from the Ferris Wheel at Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival
I finally got time to stitch these panoramic together, and I am actually surprised at how well it came out, considering that it was hand-held in a moving Ferris Wheel!
Just got off the phone with the Head of the Photography, Peter Doubleday, and he informed me the Devon Horse Show is really cracking down on non-official photographers selling images taken during the events.
This 2-3 year old policy is in an effort to preserve the copyright value of the Devon Horse Show event.
If you take pictures, and sell them, the DHS lawyers might be giving you a call, even if you are hired by one of the Stables that are participating.
Apparently, more and more Horse show are following this trend to protect their copyrights.
Ferris Wheel at the Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival
Earlier in the week, while driving near the intersection of Rt. 30 and Rt. 100, I noticed that something was going on in one of the parking lots at the mall, and for the must part, thought nothing about it.
The next day, when I drove by, poof, there were rides and things all setup, but since there were not signs, it was kind of hard to tell what was going on.
Later on, once at home, I posted something to my Facebook wall, asking if anyone in the local area knew what was going on. Several other folks, also commented that they were wondering the same thing.
In doing some more research, it turns out that Powers Great American Midways was hosting the Spring Carnival at the Exton Square Mall from May 4th – 8th, which included Mother’s Day!
Needless to say, the kids wanted to go, so after a lazy Sunday Mother’s Day morning, we headed toward the mall to have some fun!
Not being sure where to park, we snaked our way through the various roads near the carnival, and were able to find easy parking right next to the main entrance!
Blue Fish Bowl Game at the Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival
As the four of us started to walk in, we were taken back at first with the lack of a crowd, and that none of the rides were operating yet, so it gave a chance to walk around and scope out what was available.
The vendors were scurrying around preparing for the day, setting up games, replenishing the prizes and cleaning up their areas.
Madison seemed to want to go on everything and Logan was eager to follow, but like many kids his age, he was going to be limited because of height requirements.
Because it was so early, the kids were easily able to go from ride to ride, and only pausing to grab tickets from us, and then running to the next gate.
Then came the bumper cars, and of course the kids wanted to go, but Mom had some reservations, but gave up when I handed the tickets over, and they were off like a shoot.
At the edge of the rides, both Amy and I watched as the two kids found a car, and buckled themselves in.
Finally, everyone was in their cars, and the main power was switched on.
It took Madison a moment to find the go pedal, followed by a giant lurch forward, and two kids twisting their necks to look at each other in a combination of “Did we do that?” and “This cool!”.
Moments later, they crashed into their first car and smiles and laughter erupted.
Eventually, the ride was over, and we headed further into the food and games area.
Yellow Rubber Ducks at the Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival
We stopped at one of the drink stands, got some lemonade, and rested as we plotted our next adventure.
The Ferris wheel as a family!
We got into one of the pods, and were slowly raised into the air as other folks got on an off the ride.
Madison and Logan, gitty with delight as they looked all around as we got higher and higher.
A view from the Ferris Wheel at Exton Square Mall Spring Carnival
Once the wheel was ready, we began to go around and around, each time finding something new as we looked over the landscape.
What was once fear of going so high, transformed into excitement of seeing things from a different point of view.
Finally, the ride came to and end, and we disembarked, and took another walk around the carnival, eventually we all agreed it was time to go home.
As we found our way back to the parking lot, we realized that their Amy nor I had the keys to the car.
We began to panic…
Where could we have lost them?
When we got to the car, I looked in, and there were the keys!
