A Memorable Experience!
History, Science, and Operation
of Hot Air Balloons
At YOUR small or large venue
Hot Air Balloon Presentations for...
*Member of Academy of Model Aeronautics
**Our programs carry liability insurance.
***Programs subject to weather and space availability
at Pilot discretion.
Balloon Festivals
Brings an exciting spectacle to your event!
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Your VISITORS gain a deeper festival experience
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Your PILOTS enjoy greater demand for paid services
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Your VENDORS get more business
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and YOU meet your goals for the event!
Attracts a crowd!
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Provides a unique experience
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Steers patrons to rides and tethers
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Cultivates repeat visitors
Knowledge and Presentation skills!
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23 years teaching Math, Science, and STEM Classes
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Festival Staff and Safety Officer
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Balloon launch and chase crew
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Veteran passenger
Educational Groups
Reinforces Classroom Lessons!
As a former STEM classroom teacher eligible for K-12 certification, I will work with you to dovetail my presentation into your lesson plans at any grade level.
Entertaining and Educational!
My 1 hour presentation is sure to captivate your any-age, any-size, group.
Promotions
Draws a Crowd!
There's plenty of opportunity to promote your business or event with Eureka! as a backdrop.
Unique Advertising!
The Eureka! balloon can carry a 6x12 banner of your design.
Delivers Results!
The Eureka! balloon attracts a crowd so we can promote your business with our custom presentations.
Eureka's Inspiration
You may wonder why I began my journey with Eureka!
As a former classroom teacher of students with disabilities, I found myself on the staff of a particular balloon festival, and tasked with Festival Safety. The opening Friday night activities are only open to the special needs community. Local sponsors and other donors arrange for 500 students and their families to receive tethered rides. That festival raises thousands for local education each year.
As I walked the crowd perimeter, I chatted with many as they waited their turn. One young man and his daughter of maybe 8 years old told me HE was excited, but SHE was TERRIFIED. As with many who climb into a basket for the first time, fear of heights and burner noise can bring out apprehensions.
I explained to this young lady that on my first time in a balloon, many years ago, the first time the burners lit up, I jumped back. I still jump at the sound if I don't expect it. That is only natural, I think. Once you realize that the flames are only directed upward, and you expect it, you realize you are safe.
As for the heights, I had apprehensions, too. On my first ride, I was shaking and had a death-grip on the basket. But as soon as the Earth began to fall away from us, I was hooked on ballooning.
I never saw the two again, but it appears they did take their tethered ride that night. The Father told his Pilot of our interaction. The Pilot told the Balloonmeister (Director of Balloons at the Event), and word eventually got back to me of their appreciation.
Priceless...
On reflection it occurred to me that I had answered many of the same questions, allayed the same general fears, and got people excited about the tethers. Over the next few days, and at other festivals, this felt like my "place". I enjoy leading people, of any age, to enjoy balloons as much as I do.
As a teacher for many years, it feels natural to share my own excitement, to inspire people to WANT to know more, and to get a few laughs over the story of Archimedes, who inspired the name "EUREKA!", along with the fascinating history of hot air ballooning.
About Me
Mike Hughes is a US Navy and Viet Nam Era Veteran having served on a Destroyer and a Nuclear Submarine. Prior to submarine duty, Mike was an instructor in a Navy nuclear prototype. Later in life, Mike went back to college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Specific Learning Disabilities at FIU.
Mike's teaching career spans a Navy tour of 2 years teaching Electrical Operations in a Submarine Nuclear Prototype Plant, two years creating training programs for major power and chemical plants, 16 years teaching Middle School Math, Science, and a STEM Lab. His final 7 years took him to High School, teaching higher Math for students with learning disabilities.
Mike also taught Marine Science in the Florida Keys, focusing on the interrelation of Everglades hydrology, Mangrove and Seagrass habitats, and the Coral Reefs of the Keys.
The dark night skies of the Keys turned Mike's hobby of Astronomy into a very successful 30 year side gig, teaching under the stars to local school groups, traveling field trip groups, and pretty much anyone who would listen and who wanted to peer through the telescope at the wonders of the night sky.
Mike originates from the Adirondack Park region of New York State and he currently resides in Port Richey, Florida, just North of Tampa. In between those locales, Mike lived in the Florida Keys for 35 years, raising 4 children. Currently, Mike has 7 Grandchildren and one Great Grandchild, all of whom live in Florida.
Mike's love of teaching and learning, command of the Sciences, and his smooth style, translate the Eureka presentations into a program that will...
CAPTIVATE audiences,
SPARK curiosity, and
INSPIRE exploration