[dropcap]A[/dropcap]mid the constant buzz of fans and the gush of propane igniting in the air, Josh Sneed walked the field at Lake Kyle Park Saturday, assessing the scene in front of him.

All around the greenery were balloons starting to take shape. Large nylon structures rose high into the sky as revelers looked on in amazement, snapping photos and enjoying the moment.

For Sneed, he’s known this experience almost all his life. Last weekend, he and many other pilots got their chance to sha...