Dan Clinger is a retired architect and the “architect” of the Flag City Balloon Fest. In 1999 after watching his son pilot a balloon in an event Dan wondered what would it take to bring such an event to Findlay. What started out with 25 balloons this year will have 40 balloons, 6 shaped balloons and a Fiesta division. It draws 25-35,000 people to the event each year. Dan retired after 45 years of drawing schools, hospitals etc and now spends his time on various boards, motorcycling and boating. He is married and has 6 children, and 26 grand and great-grand children. His motto is simple, “Be honest.” His dad who was a genuine hardworking farmer and taught him to do the right thing is his inspiration.
