First-timer from Kentucky wins shortened Helen balloon race

First-timer from Kentucky wins shortened Helen balloon race

After a 24-hour delay due to poor wind conditions, the Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race lifted off early Friday morning. “The wind was going in the right direction,” said a representative of the Helendorf Inn & Suites, which sponsors the annual event. Twenty-five multi-colored balloons rose into the sky above the Alpine-themed village north of Cleveland, Georgia, starting at 7 a.m. on June 6. The winds carried them aloft toward their u…