Up, Up, And Away! Balloons Soar High Over Beaverhead County

DILLON, MT – The Friends of Jaycee Park hosted their annual fundraiser this past March, drawing community members and local businesses for a night of prizes, auctions, and good will. Among the items up for bid was a highly sought-after hot air balloon ride, donated by a collaborative effort of area businesses and individuals, including Soft Wind Aviation with pilot Justin Elkins, Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan, Rod & Judy Siring, and The Dillon Airport.

When the balloon ride was announced, Tammy McGinly mentioned to her husband Mark that it was a bucket list item her mom had always wanted to do. Recognizing its significance, Mark decided he had to win the prize for his bride. As he put it, “I wanted to give her this prize, and with a few beers, the bidding wasn’t so bad.” After securing the win, the auctioneer made a surprising offer—repeating the same prize at the same price to the losing bidder. TJ Reynolds accepted, and that night, two hot air balloon trips were won.

A few months later, plans were set into motion for the launch. However, Montana’s famously unpredictable weather caused delays and date changes. The new launch was scheduled for July 6th, with Dillon Airport serving as the primary launch site. The Erb family kindly offered a backup location in case of bad weather.

Early Sunday morning, pilots Justin Elkins and Josh Pallister arrived with their crew to prepare for the flight. They took Mark and Tammy McGinly through every aspect of launching a hot air balloon, giving the couple some hands-on experience along the way.

After about 45 minutes of pre-flight preparations, pilot Josh Pallister took off in his smaller balloon. Moments later, Mark and Tammy boarded the basket, and they gently floated over Beaverhead County, enjoying a peaceful hour in the sky. The wind calmed as they descended safely into a field owned by John Helle, who stopped by to say hello and check out the balloon.

The group packed up the balloon, celebrated with snacks and drinks, and reflected on a memorable ride. For Tammy, this was more than just a balloon trip—it was a chance to check off a long-held bucket list item her mother never had the opportunity to experience.

Meanwhile, TJ Reynolds and his grandkids are now planning their own balloon adventure, eager to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience while supporting Jaycee Park—the shining gem of Dillon.

If you would like to schedule a balloon flight you can contact Jessica Elkins at (406) 461-8558. flights are $325 per a person and are subject to weather conditions.