FISHERS, Ind. (July 30, 2009) Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate, took its 10,000th passenger aboard 1859 Balloon Voyage today at 11:15 a.m., exceeding estimated expectations. That noteworthy visitor was Eleni Bowersock, who came to Conner Prairie with a group of students from Ball State University’s Intensive English Institute.

As the 10,000th rider, Bowersock won a private balloon voyage for her and three guests, a behind-the-scenes tour of the balloon operation and a gift basket filled with Conner Prairie 1859 Balloon Voyage mementos.

Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage, which opened to the public on June 6, 2009, is proving highly successful with guests from across the country and around the world experiencing the recreation of the first ever air mail delivery, which took off from Lafayette, Ind., in 1859. Guests from 32 states, as far away as California, Texas and New Hampshire and from countries such as Japan, Sweden, Ireland and France have experienced flight aboard the world’s largest gas-filled passenger balloon. The balloon has also seen its first wedding proposal and fireworks flight, along with the oldest rider, who was 98, and the youngest, who was only a few weeks old.

The 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit will be open to the public through October and return again in the spring.

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Conner Prairie interactive history park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibit, 1859 Balloon Voyage. This exhibit educates guests about Indiana’s aviation history and culminates with a voyage 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. Admission to Conner Prairie is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $8 for youth (ages 2-12) and free for members and children under 2. The balloon voyage fee is $15 for non-members and $12 for members. A $5 off coupon is available at BP am/pm convenience stores. For a list of participating stores or for more information about Conner Prairie visit www.connerprairie.org or call 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836.


Media Contact: Angela Tuell, Public Relations Manager
(office) 317.214.4732, (cell) 410.430.9518, Tuell@connerprairie.org