DATE: Saturday, April 12, 1997              TAG: 9704120311

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 

                                            LENGTH:   16 lines

AT THE WHIM OF THE WINDS

JOHN SHEALLY II

The skies were full of fantastic shapes and colors Friday, the first

day of the Suffolk Spring Spectacular and Balloon Fest at Suffolk

Municipal Airport. About 40 balloonists will compete in the

festivities. ``You go as fast as the wind goes, you match the speed

of the wind, you become the wind,'' said Rene Meier, festival

balloonmeister. For a schedule of the weekend's events, see Page B5.

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