When did the village of Mendham receive world recognition?

By Joan Janzen

MENDHAM - When was the last time the village of Mendham received world recognition? Some locals may recall February 21, 1995, when they peered up at the sky, not at a bird or a plane, but at an American balloonist who landed his white balloon and yellow capsule just east of Mendham. It caused quite a commotion in the quiet village of 52 souls.

Balloonist Steve Faucett piloted his enclosed capsule from South Korea across the Pacific and Rocky Mountains, landing near Mendham, Saskatchewan, on February 21, 1995. Photo: West Central Crossroads, March 1, 1995

A CBC television crew tracking Steve Fosset’s voyage was on hand for the landing. Radio and television newscasts worldwide reported on the landing, while residents were on hand requesting autographs from their unexpected guests. The event also abruptly interrupted a town council meeting at Leader, and the town was happy to provide accommodation for the honoured guest.

The 50-year-old balloonist started his flight in Seoul, South Korea, and spent four and a half days piloting his enclosed capsule balloon across the Pacific and Rocky Mountains, setting a distance record. Residents watched the village’s 15 Minutes of Fame broadcast on their televisions.