Making Memories

Hot air balloon based in Hot Springs, AR, piloted by Mike Hickey and Jason Carpenter. Owned by Jason and Jaxon Carpenter.

Making Memories (formerly known as Spa Force One) is a hot air balloon based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At eight stories tall and 58 feet in diameter, it is piloted by Jason Carpenter and Mike Hickey of Hot Springs. Making Memories has 872 yards of nylon material held together with seven miles of thread. It contains 90,000 cubic feet of air when inflated and can lift 1,980 pounds.

07/14/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friend and fellow balloon pilot, Mike Hanson of Delta Breeze Balloons .

Our hearts are heavy today at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. We are deeply saddened to share that one of our long-time pilots, Mike Hanson of Delta Breeze Balloons, recently lost his son, Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson.

Drew was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on July 13th in Alexandria, Louisiana.

The entire Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival community sends our deepest condolences, prayers, and love to Mike and the entire Hanson family during this unimaginably difficult time.

🙏 Thank you, Drew, for your service and ultimate sacrifice.

Photo: Drew (son) and Mike Hanson | Delta Breeze Balloons