Up, up and away: Balloon, kite fest ends on high note

RIPON - Kite enthusiast Genaro Correa Jr. was "close to heaven" Sunday attending the Soaring Over Ripon Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival. With no kite-snatching trees or power lines in sight as he stood looking over one of the massive green fields at Mistlin Sports Park - site of 11 previous festivals - Correa's $2 kite danced high in the sky at the end of 1,000 feet of string.