Weather balloon takes flight over Freedom Balloon Fest

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) -- An experimental weather balloon ascended 63,000 feet over the Freedom Balloon Fest on Saturday.

The balloon took flight after being mounted with a variety of gadgets.

Here was the payload on the balloon:

• Aircraft positions reporting system tracker (APRS Tracker)
• Spot GPS Tracker
• 170-degree camera
• Still camera
• Proclamation Letter from Fuquay-Varina Mayor John Byrne
• Bengal tiger stuffed animal
• Red poppy from American Legion Post 116: The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since WWI to honor those who served and died for our country.
• Balloon cards
• Project Uplift USA decal and pin
• Pepsi bottle

The flight lasted for an hour and a half. After reaching an altitude of 63,000 feet, the balloon ruptured and sent the payload safely (thanks to a parachute) back to the ground.

In total, it traveled 36 miles to Middlesex.