SummerFest-ivities continue!

Congratulations to the 108-way Freefly World Record!
Here's some great shots from some great photographers:






Evening Events
As the sun begins to set, the energy of the boogie builds in anticipation for the nights festivities. So Tony Suits closes up shop, rolls the racks of jumpsuits into the trailer, and heads over to grab a spot to watch the UFO jumps and fireworks show.

Once settled, we see Justin Shorb and Jeff Neblekopf walk out of the hanger in full wingsuit gear, this time with extra bling attached to their normal list of gear. Both jumpers had huge flares attached to each foot with remote control triggers mounted to their chest straps. They exit at full altitude, 14k feet, and once they reach 10k feet they activate the first flare, followed by the 2nd flare at 8k feet.
The flares light up brighter than any of the stars with long comet trails streaming behind them. The wingsuiters were lead by a group of freeflyers who swirled and carved around each other. This would be a very strange sight if you did not know what you were looking at, thus appropriately dubbed the UFO jump.
Under canopy it looked as if they were on fire, but it was quickly realized they were covered head to foot with horizontal glow sticks. Thankfully everyone landed safely as can be seen by the below pictures. Good job everyone!

After the jumpers cleared the landing area, the drone of the Otter (the jump plane) could be heard coming directly toward us, and it was not slowing. The building sound grew with our anticipation, we knew the plane was going to buzz us with a fly-by. As the Otter came screaming past, the night erupted with the most epic display of pyrotechnics.

Photo: Mike Esposito

It was as if the Otter dropped a dozen bombs on its way past! After the fires subdued and the crowd regained their senses, the night began to explode once again with one of the most beautiful fireworks display that lasted for well over 15 minutes. It was a performance that could have paled a big city on the 4th of July.

Photo: Mike Esposito

After the fireworks cleared, the crowd worked its way over to the Tiki bar for drinks and to await the Fire-dancer. The drumming began, moving people closer to the stage as the Fire-dancer began to prepare his performance. Reaching 10 feet tall, with the help of his stilts, the rhythm of the drums matched his dancing as he spun fire around his fabulously oversized mask. Mixing with the sparks was ice that was flying from the ice block that Jeff was carving into a giant hawk.
The days events were a success and was celebrated by everyone long into the evening. There is no doubt in everyone's mind that this is the biggest boogie of the season. Go SummerFest 2009!