Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Committee | Visit Crawford County, PA
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Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Committee

About Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Committee

Ballooning has a very long history in Meadville. The Thurstons were a Meadville family who were involved with ballooning in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Samuel Sylvester Thurston was born in 1834, and operated a hotel in Meadville. In 1860, Samuel learned how to fly from noted balloonist, Professor Steiner, and purchased a balloon. Townspeople were skeptical, but over the next 25 years, Samuel made 215 ascensions in his balloon. The Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event takes place each year over Father’s Day weekend. Check our website for more information.

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