HISTORY OF THE POST HOT AIR BALLOONS

In the summer of 1985, Battle Creek, Michigan hosted the World Hot Air Balloon Championships. During that event, a tiger shaped balloon from Rival company kellogg's, flew over the Post cereal plant. This occurrence sparked employees at the Battle Creek plant to form a club and start raising money to buy a Hot Air Balloon of their own.

Within a year the club members had raised over $6000.00 toward the purchase of the first balloon. With the help of plant manager John Swarthout, the balance of funds needed to purchase the bright red balloon bear the Post logo were obtained from New York,

In August of 1986, the efforts of those involved were seen, as the community watched the bright red balloon ascend into the skies over Battle Creek, and employees beamed with pride!

As with all operations, or sports, other equipment was needed to operate the balloon. So more fund raising went o to buy an enclosed trailer, van inflation fan, aircraft radio's pie ball's helium, etc.

When news got out about the new balloon, the G.F. plant in Couburg, Ontario, asked to have the balloon at their sesquicentennial celebration. West Coast sales for Post Cereals asked to have the balloon tour through Texas cities, such as Post, Lubbock and the Amigo Air Show in El Paso, to promote Post Cereal's. Sometimes tethering the balloon on hot Texas pavement of supermarket parking lots was stressing, but member's realized what an accomplishment they had made. People from miles around could see the five story tall Post advertisement whether is was sitting in a parking lot or flying the skies of Texas!

With the success of the red balloon, members still had an ultimate goal. To put a giant hot air balloon shaped like "Sugar Bear" in the sky, like Kellogg's Great Tony. But the cost of a special shape balloon was between $35,000 and  $40,000. This would take some hard fund raising, but the persistent group started the project.

While effort's went on to raise money, the Maxwell House Division of Kraft General Foods wanted to dispose of two special shape coffee can balloons, which had been used to advertise in the Calgary winter Olympics. The offer was too good to turn down, two balloons, and all support equipment, which could be used on Sugar Bear someday. The club sold one of the Maxwell House Balloons, and recovered all of the funds spent, so the other coffee can, and equipment was at no cost.

Finally, on July 1, 1992 a dream came true, as the new "Sugar Bear" took to the air over the ski's of Battle Creek!

The "Sugar Bear" balloon has become the most popular balloon in Battle Creek, Mi. including surpassing the Great Tony. It's popularity can be easily seen by anyone who has had the great experience of riding, or just being near enough to feel the excitement it brings. It has been invited to, and made numerous trips to air shows, and event's all over the United States, and Canada.

The fleet of three balloon's based in Battle Creek, and operated by The Post Balloon Club have increased to a value over $100,000. The member's are proud of their accomplishments, and have the desire to keep the Post name flying!

March 3rd 1999 the newest balloon in the Balloon Club fleet was added, The Post Cereal Bowl "Spash".