Balloon Poppy’s Historic Flights

A hot air balloon named Poppy made a surprise stop at the Ashburton RSA, owned by veteran pilots Daryl and Dianne McKee—whose 40-year balloon career blends military experience with custom advertising. Flying Poppy, bought for WWI commemorations and shipped from England, they’ve tethered it at dawn Anzac services, where Dianne still gets chills watching soldiers march past. Back for the Fire & Ice Festival after missing last year due to Covid, they’re hoping for morning and afternoon flights before the big glow—and bringing history sky-high with every tether. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9043c7277160f9cb