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Hot air balloon company expands

Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Co. of Oregonia opens  new operations center at Warren County Airport.

Two hot air balloons belonging to Laurie Givin and Brian Trapp, owners of the Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Company Ltd., drift across the sky.

Submitted Two hot air balloons belonging to Laurie Givin and Brian Trapp, owners of the Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Company Ltd., drift across the sky.

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A colorful hot air balloon belonging to Laurie Givin and Brian Trapp, owners of the Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Co. Ltd., drifts across the sky. Givins and Trapp have opened a new office at the Warren County Airport, 2460 Greentree Road, in Lebanon.

/Contributed photo A colorful hot air balloon belonging to Laurie Givin and Brian Trapp, owners of the Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Co. Ltd., drifts across the sky. Givins and Trapp have opened a new office at the Warren County Airport, 2460 Greentree Road, in Lebanon.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Kristin McAllister, Staff Writer Updated 1:03 PM Thursday, June 18, 2009

LEBANON — Splashing across the sky in vivid colors, the flight of hot air balloons is both graceful and mesmerizing to watch and, according to the owners of the Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Co., growing in popularity.

Gentle Breeze owners Laurie Givin and Brian Trapp outgrew their Oregonia office and on May 21, opened a new operations center in the renovated Hanger 8-J at the Warren County Airport, 2460 Greentree Road.

The repair station still runs out of the Oregonia location, Givins said.

Despite a tough economy, Givins said she and her business partner are seeing an increase in bookings.

“It’s a tough way to make a living, because you’re so weather dependent,” she said. “But compared to five years ago, I would probably say we’re seeing maybe a 40 percent increase.”

Givins, who has 23 years of experience as a licensed hot air balloon pilot, and Trapp, who has 27 years of experience, bought the business in 1988. It originally started up in the area in 1978, she said.

The pair conducts flights year-round, but average about 20 days a month during the peak season of June through October. They have contracts with six pilots and about 25 crew members who help with balloon launches and drive chase vehicles.

They operate 10 hot air balloons, including several corporate advertising balloons, a special-shaped Golf Ball balloon and two balloons based in Scotland. The company has the capacity to carry 18-plus passengers in multiple balloons.

Rides are about an hour long and originate at sunrise or about two hours before sunset, Givins said, adding that rates vary.

“It’s $339 for two during the week and $200 per person during the weekend,” she said.

Givins and Trapp have even conducted flights for in-air weddings and they sell gift certificates that can be redeemed in fairer weather. Following a flight, passengers can toast with a glass of champagne back at the hanger and receive a champagne gift pack to take home.

The company also offers limousine service.

For more information, go to www.hotairballoonrides.com, or call (513) 932-9007.

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Gentle Breeze is an awsome company. Laurie, Brian, and crews are very professional.

A hot air balloon flight is a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.

Possibly once in a lifetime adventure!

hockey1
9:49 PM, 6/17/2009

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