December 14, 2019 (50 yr anniversary)
Wings of the North Air Museum hosted Rick Snyder as he reminisced about his unplanned free-flight hot air balloon ride during the Minnesota Vikings Football Game halftime show on Dev 14, 1959. Then 11 yr old Ricky was swept out of the stadium and landed on the Minnesota River where he was rescued and rejoined his family at the stadium.
The hot air balloon was owned by Ricky’s family and they weaved their own baskets with reeds found in northern Minnesota by a lake and they flew it at many county fairs.
Wings of the North Air Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, serves Eden Prairie and the Twin Cities by showcasing our fleet of restored aircraft to: Bring history to life honoring our Minnesota aviation heritage and veterans through exhibits and events; Inspire learners of all ages using aviation to equip them for the challenges of the 21st century; and provide a community of involvement for all.