RIVERTON RENDEZVOUS

Facing a Diamond Jubilee celebration in 1981, community leaders asked: "What could we do to celebrate that is unique, lasting and will grow in popularity?"... Riverton native George E. Peck suggested the idea of a hot air balloon rally. Tom Barrow of Billings agreed to be the first Balloonmeister, and he recruited 15 balloons to fly in Riverton in July 1981. Tom served as the Balloonmeister for the first three years, turning duties over to John Ditmer of Greeley Colorado in 1984. Ditmer, had won the "hare and hound" contest two of the first three years of the Rendezvous rallies. He served as Balloonmeister for three years until a heart condition grounded him.