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MIDDLETOWN — In the 1970s, before Middletown had even dreamed of hosting the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Nationals, or the MidFirst Ohio Challenge for that matter, many balloon pilots agree there already was a misconception about their approachability.

"People were almost afraid to talk to pilots," said Brian Trapp, a balloon pilot from Oregonia for the last 28 years. "But we're just regular old guys. We just know how to fly a hot air balloon. We come from all walks of life. You have no idea who you're talking to."

That's one of the reasons organizers of the MidFirst Ohio Challenge, a hot air balloon festival this weekend at Smith Park in Middletown, hope to introduce spectators to the sport through the pilots.

Because of the beauty and tranquility of balloons — pilots call it "romance" — pilots sometimes get overlooked. Spectators look skyward, see the colorful balloons, and almost forget there's a pilot in the basket.

But once the pilot has safely landed the balloon, and the crowd has gathered, they're inundated with questions.

Laurie Givin, a pilot from Oregonia, said less than 1 percent of the population ever rides in a balloon, and few ever get an up-close view of a balloon.

The first question to pilots: Can you steer this thing?

"When we tell them it's like a helium balloon that you release and there's no steering wheel, it's like, 'Wow, you're kidding. That's really cool,'" Givin said.

Middletown pilot Dr. Mark Frazer calls landing his balloon, Release, in a new Mason subdivision his "most memorable" flight.

He said many of the neighbors didn't know each other, but after gathering around Frazer's balloon, and becoming fascinated with the sport, they were ready to share a pot of coffee on the porch.

"That was a neat experience," Frazer said. "The people embraced the balloon and the balloon embraced the people."

Mark Yeakle, a Springboro pilot and AK Steel engineer for 39 years, said he enjoys "good interaction" with spectators.

"We like having the people around," he said. "For a lot of them, balloons are unique. They're very, very curious."

Does Yeakle ever feel like a celebrity, an all-star in the air?

"People can make us feel that way," he said. "People are in awe of the whole thing."