Woman Volunteers 32 Years at Texas Balloon Race

Jeanne Collins had no weekend plans in 1992 when her neighbor asked if she wanted to see something cool at the airport. That casual invitation launched three decades of volunteering at the Great Texas Balloon Race.

Collins had just moved into her Longview home when she reconnected with Bruce Bussey, a high school classmate who lived nearby. His brother, Dr. Bill Bussey, had created the hot air balloon event, and they needed help.

She joined the measuring team that first weekend and immediately fell in love with the work. Volunteers stand at targets on the ground while pilots fly overhead, tossing baggies with markers at a giant X below.

"The pilot closest to the cross section of the X gets the best score," Collins explained. Her team measures each throw to determine the winners.

The job requires waking up at 4 a.m., which wasn't easy for someone who once hated mornings. But Collins discovered that when something matters, you make it work.

What kept her coming back year after year? The people. Collins says the pilots are some of the nicest folks she's ever met, and the community atmosphere makes the early mornings worthwhile.

Sunny's Take

Collins' journey from first-time volunteer to Board of Directors member shows the power of showing up. She didn't need special skills or training when she started. She just needed to say yes.

Her advice for anyone considering volunteering at this year's race? "Absolutely. It's worth it."

The Great Texas Balloon Race runs June 11-14 over Longview and at the Maude Cobb Convention Complex. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help make the 2026 event another success, just like they have every year since Collins took that first step three decades ago.