Photo Gallery: Local balloon pilots help raise money for hurricane relief

BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

The Downtown Statesville Development Corporation and Statesville Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with local balloon pilots to raise money for Spruce Pine on Monday evening. The event was held in conjunction with the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride stop in Statesville.

Pilots offered tethered rides at Broad Street UMC and behind the Statesville Civic Center for a minimum $10 donation with proceeds going directly help those affected by Hurricane Helene in Spruce Pine.

After the tethered rides, there was a stationary balloon glow on the lawn of Mitchell Community College.