Midwest Balloon Rides to Host Bucket List Show September 12

Photographer: Brian Brosmer

A “Bucket List” is a number of experiences that one wants to do in their lifetime before they die and is something people think about but often don’t act on. Some individuals are not even sure what to put on it. Tony Sandlin, owner and chief pilot of Midwest Balloon Rides has come up with a way people can create their own bucket list, cross a couple things off of it and add even more.

On Thursday, September 12, Sandlin is hosting the Bucket List Show, a fun evening that includes not only a tethered hot air balloon ride and a helicopter ride but also music, food, drinks, entertainment and booths staffed with representatives knowledgeable about other bucket-list-worthy activities. The event will be held at Tom Wood Aviation at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, 9913 Willow View Road in Fishers, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $135 until August 30. After that date, the price is $150.

For most attendees, the highlight of the event will be the opportunity to experience not only a balloon ride but a helicopter ride as well. Sandlin’s company, Midwest Balloon Rides, will have its colorful balloons on site and ready to take riders up on a tether to a height of about 80 feet. Freedom Helicopters will be on hand to provide flights that will soar up to 500 feet above the airport. A professional photographer will be snapping photos to commemorate these once-in-a-lifetime experiences all throughout the evening.

“During the balloon ride, people are in a basket with a door,” Sandlin says. “A tethered, 80-foot ride is an easy way to try it out. For some, the balloon ride and helicopter ride might offer enough of the experience that they can check it off their bucket list right then. But if someone wants a longer experience at a different time, we are there to give them more information.”

The evening will provide plenty of opportunity to socialize and meet other like-minded people while being entertained. At least three acts by the Cincinnati Circus will be strolling through the crowd, such as fire throwing and stilt walking. Music will be provided by popular local disc jockey, Sunny Moon, while small plates from Barbecue & Bourbon and Tijuana Flats are enjoyed. Two drinks are included from the onsite cash bar plus unlimited soft drinks. Guests will be treated to a special dessert, too.

Participants will be enlightened on other opportunities available for adding to a bucket list when they visit information stalls staffed with knowledgeable activity representatives. Planes and helicopters from Tom Wood Aviation will be on display and instructors will be on hand to answer questions on learning to fly both vehicles. Other booths will include scuba diving, exotic travel, sky diving and even ballroom dance lessons. In addition, exotic car rentals will be on display.

“A typical balloon ride costs $250 per person, per hour,” Sandlin says. “The $135 price of the Bucket List Show offers guests a huge value. They can experience a balloon and helicopter ride in addition to having an entertaining and enlightening evening – all centered around their bucket list.”

For more information and to purchase tickets visit 4BucketList.com.