Page 35 - White County NCG 2019

Thriving in the

Mountains

the spring of 2019 to great fanfare. The a hobby in the early 1970s has turned by Andrew Smith
Crumpton family business is open for into a life-long career for Head, whose
tours and tastings Wednesday through company has produced 472 (and
Sunday and hosts a variety of events like counting) hot air balloons from his
local fundraisers, food trucks, parties, Helen shop. Head Balloons workshop
corporate outings, and rehearsal dinners.
“The lower overhead in White
“It’s a wonderful atmosphere and a
great meeting place,” Crumpton said County makes things a lot more
of the brewery and tap room. “We see affordable,” said Head, who has deep
ourselves as a destination location. We family roots in the area. “I could
weren't really sure about that at first, but build balloons anywhere UPS delivers
people visit us from all over and we even parts, but the lifestyle here is great and
have fans overseas now.” having Helen as a driving force for
Stepping away from agriculture, yet tourism helps out our business.”
another White County entrepreneurial While Head Balloons has remained a
success story comes from Tarp Head, small shop, the impact of Tarp and his
owner of Head Balloons. What started as
team of four is global, thanks in large
part to the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon
Race & Festival, which has been a major
area attraction for nearly five decades.
According to Head, in any given
year, about 90 percent of the festival’s
balloons will have been created in his
workshop. Head also produces balloons
for clients around the world and attends
other ballooning events in his own rig.

“My balloon has Helen, Georgia
on it, so I promote Helen all over the
world,” Head said. “In the Southeast
Tarp Head, Head Balloons U.S., though, ballooning and Helen have
become synonymous.”

33
White County Community Guide | 706-865-5356 | WhiteCountyChamber.org