Tim Taylor
Balloonmeister
Balloon: DEE IV
Home: Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Meet the Pilots
The People Behind the Balloons
Meet the pilots bringing color, skill, and a little magic to the Murray sky this September.
September 18–20, 2026
Our 2026 Pilot Roster
From Utah favorites to visiting pilots from Idaho and New Mexico, these are the people preparing to take flight at Magic Over Murray.
Shelena Shamo
Assistant Balloonmeister
Balloon: Plaid Pixie and Chickee
Home: Orem, Utah
Stephen Harrison
Balloon: Soarenity
Home: Murray, Utah
Luke Cessnik
Balloon: POW*MIA
Home: Caldwell, Idaho
Kent Barnes
Balloon: Kachina
Home: Murray, Utah
Heather Watkins
Balloon: Puppy
Home: Washington, Utah
Lyle Bingham
Balloon: American Pie
Home: Payson, Utah
Derek White
Balloon: SUMO
Home: Clinton, Utah
Stephen Coffing
Balloon: Plot Twist
Home: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Zack Clark
Balloon: Peek-A-Boo
Home: Salt Lake, Utah
Don Stockley
Balloon: Moonshine
Home: Salt Lake City, Utah
Balloon launches are weather dependent. Pilot and balloon assignments may change before the event.