Ticket to ride

A fortuitous trip to Capps Home Building Center Building Expo in Moneta will enable one lake resident to have a lifelong wish fulfilled.

Born in 1914, Ruth Penn attended the New Jersey Flemington State Fair as a little girl in the hope of riding the hot air balloons, a dream that was never realized because of limited finances.

During a visit to the building expo July 14, Penn and her caregiver, Doreene Hornsby, registered for the grand prize: two tickets for a free hot air balloon ride during the Hot Air Balloon Classic to be held Sept. 7 and 8 in Downtown Moneta.

One ticket was offered to each family, with 225 registering for the ticket drawings.

"I never thought it would come to pass because after so many years," said Penn. "And then they were picking my number out."

The ride will be provided by Island Balloons Inc., based in Lanexa. Penn's daughter, Deanna Cebulash, said she was informed by the balloon pilot that the basket will be fitted with a chair and will only fly in exceptionally good weather.

Before moving to Virginia, Penn was a bookkeeper and wrote freelance news articles. She married and had three children and would eventually live in Florida before moving in with Cebulash in Moneta.

"You always make wishes, and you never knew your dreams would come true," said Penn. "Don't give up."