Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival goes on despite the weather
Despite the weather playing havoc with scheduled launches, the balloons were finally able to take to the air Saturday evening at the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. To the delight of many, some balloons didn’t travel far, and people got an up close and personal look at the beautiful balloons.
Unstable weather in the area Friday and Saturday morning, June 11 and June 12, kept the balloons grounded. A few pilots inflated their balloons Saturday morning but didn’t take off in the fog. Friday evening’s night glow also had to be cancelled. What many people may not realize is that having to cancel scheduled events is not a decision the festival committee makes. Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are at the fairgrounds for every balloon festival. While the weather may look perfect on the ground, the upper air may be unstable and a weather cell within 75 miles of Coshocton is a concern.
There was more to do at the fairgrounds than see the balloons and many people took advantage of the grounds on Friday afternoon to explore and have fun. Treasures were discovered at the flea market, mechanical rides were available for children, plus games and plenty of food.
Tracy Weese, of Warsaw, was at the festival Friday afternoon. It was her first time, and she came for the fair food, especially a Stromboli. She planned to return Saturday evening for the fireworks. Rikki Cox was also there for a taste of fair food and was planning on returning Friday evening for the balloons and again for the fireworks.
Baylee Erman, 11, said she had never been to the festival. She wanted a Stromboli and to look around. Michael Cannon, 8, wanted a piece of pepperoni pizza and to play games. He won a stuffed lion playing a water gun game.
Paris Phillips, 5, was at the festival with her Great-grandma Deanna Murray, and her Great-great-grandma Marlene Colburn. Phillips said she was having fun “jumping and eating slushies.” She had been enjoying the bounce house while her grandmas watched. Murray said they came to the festival for something to do. “We didn’t get to do anything last year.” That seemed to be the sentiment of many – to get out and enjoy as many activities as possible.
The festival ended Saturday evening with a beautiful display of fireworks.
Category: Arts & Entertainment, Multimedia, Photo Galleries
