Cave Creek couple float new event into town
Marc Buckhout ~ Managing Editor ~ 12/30/2009

In Disney’s latest hit-film “Up,” about Carl Fredrickson, a 78-year-old senior and Russell, 8, show that regardless of age, both young and old are awed by balloons.
Cave Creek residents Scott and Vanessa Clifton have based a business on that premise.
For Scott, aeronautics has been a lifetime passion.
“I’ve been into flying since I was 12,” he said. “It’s something my dad was involved with and then through him both my brother and I also became interested. I had a hot air balloon company right out of high school.”
While he also has flown airplanes and helicopters, working currently as a helicopter pilot for Channels 3, 5, 12, ballooning has always been a favorite.
“Ballooning is the simplest form of flight there is,” he said. “It’s just so enjoyable. It’s very relaxing.”
Since 2008 the Cave Creek couple has been involved in events centering on hot air balloons as well as using balloons for corporate advertising through their business Aerial Solutions.
Their latest event will take place at 5 p.m. Jan.9, the Cave Creek Balloon Festival. The inaugural event will take place on the 11th fairway of the Rancho Mañana Golf Course, adjacent to Tonto Bar & Grill. During the twilight/evening event at least eight hot air balloons will be inflated on the course giving party goers the opportunity to see the balloons up close as they light the night sky.
Vanessa said the visual, of the seven-story tall balloons always impresses.
“It looks like a giant light bulb,” she said.
The balloons will include a bumble bee, a lady bug and Spiderman among others. Attendees, will get the opportunity to interact with the crews of the balloons.
The evening’s festivities also include a musical performance by the band Remedy.
Tonto Bar and Grill will offer seating on a first come first served basis. Along with serving dinner from the restaurant patio the restaurant will also sell cash-only concessions on the course. Refreshments include hot cocoa, Kahlua-flavored coffees, Irish coffee, beer and wine along with some food items.
Balloons will be on display until about 7:30 or 8 p.m. depending on the weather. Those in attendance will also have the chance to catch the Arizona Skyhawks, a parachute demonstration team, which will descend upon the golf course in specially lighted jumpsuits.
Scott said that he hopes to expand the event in years to come with more balloons. He also envisions expanding the event out over two days, with a day for flying as well as the evening glow festivities.
In addition to putting on the events Aerial Solutions also gives companies a different advertising outlet, one Scott said certainly catches people’s attention.
“How many billboards do you drive by and never take notice of,” he asked? “You see a hot air balloon flying over downtown Phoenix and you’re going to remember it.”
Scott said people are surprised at how inexpensive balloon advertising can be.
The company has a billboard balloon where a company’s name can be attached to the balloon.
“If people have an event coming up they want to promote we’ll fly over downtown Phoenix or wherever it is they are targeting and people can see it from two miles away,” he said.
For companies that want to spend more money they can get their own balloon designed.
Either way Scott is ready to help companies get their promotional campaign off the ground.
“Even when I went to work flying helicopters ballooning always remained on the back burner,” he said. “I’m having fun. It’s a blast going to work. I’ve never had a bad experience flying.”
Parking will be available on the Rancho Mañana Golf Course driving range and at Rancho Mañana Golf Course. Overflow parking with shuttle bus service will be behind the U.S. Post Office in the center of Cave Creek. Admission is $5; age 5 and under free.
No lawn chairs, dogs or outside food and beverages. Food and drinks will be sold on site.
For information on the Cave Creek Balloon Festival go to www.cavecreekballoonfestival.com or call Tonto Bar & Grill at 480-488-0698. For information on Aerial Solutions go to www.aerialsolutionsllc.com.