ASHLAND — The Beatles’ “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” rang out over the speakers surrounding Freer Field on Thursday as the BalloonFest’s food vendor coordinator broke the news.
“We’re shutting down field activities at 7:30,” said Joe Reep, addressing Ron Puglisi, the owner of Puglisi’s Pizza.
About an hour before, Zach Burgess, the four-day festival’s president & pilot liaison announced to VIP attendees that balloon pilots wouldn’t set up in the field. It was too wet.
And so it went. The 35th annual Ashland BalloonFest’s first night fell victim to Ohio’s sopping weather.
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on, brah!… lala how the life goes on,” sang Paul McCartney.
But the traditional opening ceremony still marched on. The Ashland Veteran’s Color Guard presented the arms as a woman led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and Rusty Cates — “the voice of BalloonFest” — prayed for better weather. Ashland Mayor Matt Miller shared optimism for the rest of the event, which happens yearly at Freer Field.
The festival drew 31 pilots for this year’s four-day event, 22 of which hail from Ohio. Thursday night would have been the event’s first lift off.
But balloons pilots aim to lift off again on Friday and Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. They also try to lift off each morning through Sunday between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.
But it’s all dependent upon the fickle Ohio weather.
The forecast for Ashland looks unpromising, according to the National Weather Service.
Friday’s forecast calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms all day and into the evening.
Saturday also calls for rain and “possibly a thunderstorm.”
But come Sunday, the NWS is calling for sunny skies with a high of 86 and a low of 69.
“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on …”
Check out the BalloonFest’s website for a daily schedule of events for more information. For up to date alerts, follow the event’s Facebook page.