Hot air on the campaign trial — high-flying candidates to get a lift in balloon

By JACK ENCARNACAO
The Patriot Ledger

WEYMOUTH - Talk about a scenic photo op.

The candidates to become Weymouth’s next mayor, Sue Kay and Colin McPherson, could be the first to board a hot air balloon that will go up as part of Saturday’s Weymouth Day celebration.

“Both candidates for mayor have accepted the invite to go up in the hot air balloon,” said Beth McLean, an agent at RE/MAX, the company that owns the balloon and brings it to community events.

It had not yet been decided if Kay and McPherson would travel in the balloon together.

“I'm trying to get them both in the balloon at the same time,” McLean said.

McLean said the idea to include mayoral candidates in Weymouth Day came from her brother, who suggested the candidates make speeches at an event that attracts residents from all corners of town.

But McLean said her instinct was to get the pair in the balloon, instead.

“I said, ‘I kind of want them in the balloon together shaking hands,’” McLean said.

McLean said she was encouraged when Kay and McPherson agreed to the ride.

The balloon rides will lift off from a field at Weymouth High School from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. It will be tethered and rise about 60 feet into the air.

Rides cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. The proceeds will offset the cost of Weymouth Day events and benefit the Mullin family of Weymouth, whose 6-year-old daughter, Joanna, was murdered last month.

Weymouth Day starts with a parade that begins at noon at Washington (Route 53) and Pleasant streets. The parade will travel south on Pleasant Street and end at the high school.

Jack Encarnacao may be reached at jencarnacao@ledger.com.