COLUSA, CA (MPG) — Residents of Colusa County looked to the sky on Wednesday and caught an uncommon sight: the Goodyear Blimp flying over town.
The blimp, known as Wingfoot Three, was traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area when weather conditions forced the crew to divert to Redding, according to Redding Airports Director Andrew Solsvig. The airship landed at Redding Regional Airport in the afternoon and was tethered overnight before continuing north Thursday morning.
Its path brought it over parts of Colusa, drawing attention across the community.
On social media, residents shared their sightings.
“I was teaching at Burchfield and the students and I saw it. I have never seen a blimp fly over Colusa,” said Salli Wallace.
Patti Steidlmayer posted, “Did anyone else see the blimp in town today? I was at Subway for lunch and it was over by the new apartments.”
Others remarked that the blimp has occasionally flown east of town in the past, though not often.
“Seen it three or four times. Flys east of town and always goes north,” said Jim Edwards.
Goodyear operates three blimps in the United States, with Wingfoot Three based in Los Angeles. Commissioned in 2018, it has covered major sporting events, including the PGA Championship and the College Football Playoff.
After leaving Redding, the blimp’s itinerary included Eugene, Oregon, where it will hover over Autzen Stadium for Saturday’s football game between Oregon and Oklahoma State. From there, it is scheduled to continue north to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.