Balloons land downtown

Photo: Colleen Whitman

There was an unexpected New Years Day sight in downtown Vernon Monday when four hot air balloons landed in the city.

The pilot of one of those balloons, Evan Erickson, said at no point was anyone in danger and the landings were controlled at all times.

Erickson said the balloonists were floating over the city when a lack of wind meant they had to look for safe places to put down.

"Variable winds kept us over town, so we looked for parking lots or parks with no close power lines downwind. No one was hurt or in danger at any time,” said Erickson.

“Everyone had a great flight; it was just a little bit cold up there.”