Submitted article
It was a beautiful day to go for a ride! Despite early morning showers that cancelled the first two trips, last Wednesday afternoon Ann Witzel had a once in a lifetime chance to take a ride in the Goodyear Blimp as it flew over Sioux Falls.
The blimp and crew came to the area as a promotion for Graham Tire, who have been selling Goodyear tires for 67 years in several locations in the tri state area. Witzel Pronto has been a Goodyear customer for 50+ years. Ralph Witzel started selling Goodyear tires in the 1950’s and Jim still sells them today-most recently through Graham Tire in Worthington. Graham Tire salesman, Jerry, made the offer to Jim to ride the Goodyear Blimp, but because of Jim’s unavailability it was passed to Ann.
Upon arriving at the airfield, passengers had to present an ID card, sign a waiver and step on a scale – weight and cargo balance are very important. The gondola holds 2 pilots and up to 12 passengers. The crew of 23, (5 pilots, 17 support staff and 1 public relations representative), who never leave the blimp unattended, leave south Florida in the spring and return in the fall.
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