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Carrie, Sam and Liddydia Williams.

Kylie Ann Carpenter, Elle and Sharry Thomas.

Amanada, Abbey and Keller Neville take a ride on REMAX.

Amanada, Abbey and Keller Neville take a ride on REMAX.

CHELSEA – Local homeschooling families learned about hot air balloons on Thursday, Sept. 13—and then had the opportunity to take a ride in one.

The world famous RE/MAX hot air balloon made a stop at the Chelsea Recreational Park soccer field after local RE/MAX Advantage South Realtors Matthew and Amber Sitton arranged for the visit to provide an educational demonstration.

“RE/MAX has a fleet of 120 balloons that often do educational events at schools, but we wanted to offer this benefit to the large and thriving area homeschool community,” said Matthew Sitton, sales specialist of RE/MAX Advantage South. “Seeing the RE/MAX balloon up close and personal is something these kids will always remember. It is such a fun experience and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to do this.”

From a 4-foot bag, the balloon inflated as tall as a seven-story building.

Then, tethered balloon flights to between 25-50 feet high were offered to about 75 attendees by Joel Sturdevent with RE/MAX.

The final portion of the presentation was educational about hot air balloons and includes such information as the history of ballooning, parts of the balloon and the dynamics of flight operation. There was then a question-and-answer period for the kids before they helped pack the balloon away.

RE/MAX Associate Broker Amber Sitton said she and her husband Matthew homeschool their 6-year-old son, Carson, and spread the word about the event through local homeschool cooperatives and social media.

“We didn’t know if it would be two or 200 (attendees),” Sitton said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

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