Hopkinton, Wear Your Hard Hats Thursday

The Hopkinton Education Foundation will hold its annual golf ball drop from a hot-air balloon Thursday.

The event raises money to support grants for Hopkinton teachers and other school professionals. 

Each ball will have a number that corresponds with one given to the person who “buys” the ball.  The cost is $10 per ticket or six for $50.

Event chairwoman Maureen Belger says the education foundation tries to spur innovation through its grant awards.

Innovative small-scale programs allow a teacher or class to try things, and if they work well, the Hopkinton district can pick them up and expand them to all the schools, Belger said.

The drop from the hot-air balloon will be behind Hopkins School on Field 10, Thursday afternoon from 5:30 to 7:30. Hopkinton Education Foundation board of directors member Mary Korbey is a Realtor at Re/Max Executive Realty, which is donating use of the balloon.

Consigli Construction of Milford is also providing an aerial lift in case the balloon - which remains tethered - can't ascend because of wind or other conditions.

First, test balls will be dropped to see approximately where they land. Then - golfers will enjoy this part - a hole is placed near that spot. Then the numbered balls are dropped. 

"Those 1,000 golf balls are heavy!" Belger said. She doesn't think the balloon will bounce around too much when they're dropped. At least, since she'll be in the balloon, she hopes not.

$1,000 will go to the person whose ball either goes into or is closest to the hole. The owner of the ball that lands farthest from the pin (that's where some real measuring comes in, Belger said) will win $100.

You don't have to be present to win BUT besides the golf ball drop, families will have the chance to enjoy face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and weather and time permitting, hot-air balloon rides. 

For tickets, email Maureen Belger or call her at 508.686.2790.

Rain date is Friday, June 10.