CHOCOWINITY — A new feature of the annual Spring Heat Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Big Rig Show proved to be a big hit.

In fact, folks were floating off the ground … literally.

For the first time, the Chocowinity Fire Department included hot air balloon rides as part of the event, according to fire chief Tommy Pendley.

IBX Balloon Flights, with pilot Neal Langford and crew chief Skip Van Wyk, was the vendor for the event, which offered a bird’s eye view of the campus of Chocowinity Middle School and surrounding areas.

One of the first to board the balloon was 7-year-old Eric Barndt, a first-grade student at Chocowinity Primary School, who enjoyed his first flight.

“I liked being up high,” noted young Eric, who gave the experience a thumbs up.

Likewise, his grandmother, Sue Reikard, was equally enthusiastic.

“I loved the thrill of it,” she said.

For more information about IBX Balloon Flights, call 505-720-5438.