An Iowa man who who has been flying his balloon across the country at various events and for leisure will be in Lincoln this weekend as a part of the annaul Art and Balloon Festival.

(Photo Right: Cloyd's custom balloon, Image Courtesy of Tim Cloyd)

Tim Cloyd hails from Runnells, Iowa and has made his way to central Illinois for the annual event in Lincoln that hosts several thousand. Cloyd owns a hot air balloon he uses for both leisure and for his charity "Extreme Flight To Find A Cure". Cloyd explains he helps raise money for cancer research and different organizations that deal with cancer patients.

[audio:82314extremeballoon1.mp3] [/audio]

Last year at a festival in Centralia, Cloyd and his wife encountered a local family, the Hovland's (Huv-lands). According to Cloyd, they have become a very supportive partner of him and his family and a big part of his balloon crew at some of the events they go to.

[audio:82314extremeballoon2.mp3] [/audio]

You can learn more about Cloyd's charity, "Extreme Flight To Find A Cure", by visiting www.tecvision.org.

Cloyd's balloon will launch Friday night and take part in the Friday evening glow at the Lincoln Airport as a part of the annual Art and Balloon Festival that runs all weekend.