Meet the Pilots of the Washington Parish Balloon Festival
Colton Krause- Pride, LA
I’ve been a hot air balloon pilot for 5 years, but I’ve been ballooning my whole life. In my free time, I enjoy ballooning with my family.
Shawn Krause- Zachary, LA
I have been married to my Patricia for 36 years. I have a daughter and a son and 4 grandkids. I am a pipe fitter by trade but I have been in construction management for the last 15 years. I have been flying balloons for 30 years. I hold a commercial pilot license. My family and I operate Really Hot Air Balloon Rides and Promotions in Zachary, LA. I am also a hot air balloon instructor pilot.
Chad Hebert- Zachary, LA
I am married and have 3 kids. (1 daughter & 2 sons) All of them currently aspire to be balloon pilots as well. I work full time as a police officer in the city of Zachary. I enjoy doing anything outdoors, but ballooning seems to occupy most of my time. What time that's not occupied by ballooning I spend training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I was introduced to hot air balloons by my wife who has been around balloons since she was a kid. My father-in-law was my primary flight instructor and taught me most of what I know about balloons. However, I owe it to many pilots who helped me along the way. I am not part of a small hot air balloon company that was started by my wife. My favorite thing about ballooning is seeing the look on people's faces as they lift off the ground for the first time. I also love the family aspect of the sport, both with my family and our extended balloon family. This sport has formed lifelong bonds.
Karen Kent- Port Allen, LA
I first got involved with hot air balloons in 1994. It didn't take me long to figure out that I wanted to be a pilot. I am currently a commercial pilot with 3 balloons and fly most weekends. Flying hot air balloons has helped fulfill a childhood dream of soaring through the sky as birds do.
Mike Hanson- Greenwood, MS
I have a son, Drew Hanson. He is a U.S. Marshall. I have one grandson, Kohl Michael Hanson. I worked as an IT director for Wade Incorporated. My favorite experience in hot air ballooning was flying in Thailand. My most interesting passenger was Bill Clinton.
Perry Hasson- Meridian, MS
I have two beautiful daughters, Gina (31) and Taylor (25). I am a maintenance person at Rose and Son Properties. I love making people laugh and living life to the fullest. I've been ballooning 35+ years and as a pilot for 29 years. I am a 2x winner of the Alabama Jubilee in Decatur, Alabama and once at Faunsdale Balloon Race in Faunsdale, Alabama. What I like best about ballooning is the people I meet and the friends I have made over the years.
Howard (Rusty) Miller - Atmore, AL
My wife of 31 years, Traci, and I live in Atmore, Alabama. I am the co owner of a commercial construction company-,Trip Tek Construction, and Traci owns a boutique, Talula Belle's. We don't have kids, but our 4 dogs keep us on our toes. Traci and I are both workaholics so ballooning is my way to relax. I got into ballooning just 2 short years ago and fell in love with the sport. I have flown in 6 states and own 3 balloons. I love the reaction of people when you tell them you fly hot air balloons. I also love to see the look on kids' faces when we go out to glow or to fly.
Frank J Anger- Belden, MS
I am retired with two daughters and five grandkids. I have been flying hot air balloons since 1995. Live in Belden, MS which is a suburb of Tupelo, MS Was a distributor of bottled water for 38 years. Sold the company in 2021 and got tired of piddling so I studied and got my Real Estate License in 2023. I am a Real Estate professional with ELITE Realty in Tupelo, MS.Been flying hot air balloons since 1995.
Greatest joys I get from ballooning are seeing the smiles on young kids faces as well as adults, who when they see a hot air balloon are still kids at heart.
America, Koola Koala and America the 2nd (RC balloon)
Geoffrey Jones- Zachary, LA
My name is Geoffrey Jones and I live in Meridian MS. I work for Atlas Roofing Corp. in the research and development department. I have had my pilot's license for around 3 years, but I have been crewing for my parents all of my life. Balloon Name: Gravity's Rainbow
Fred Poole
Fred Poole has a 25 year history in aviation. He is a skydiver with over 700 jumps, a fixed wing pilot with a seaplane rating and of course a commercial hot air balloon pilot. His company Champagne Sunrise operates out of Meridian Mississippi and has taken hundreds of passengers for rides safely over the years.
In addition to normal commercial operations Fred uses Champagne Sunrise as outreach for the community, delivering letters to the north pole for Santa for local schools, and donating tether rides for the local children’s museum.
During the week Fred is the General Manager of Peavey Electronics, one of the largest manufacturers of Musical Instrument and Professional audio equipment in the world, selling to over 136 countries world wide, and a member of the BFA Board of Directors.
Memberships licenses and Certifications:
USPA (United Stated Parachute Association) holding a D license
BFA Pro Division
BFA Board Member