ASHLAND – Nearly perfect weather made for a perfect first night Thursday of the 26th Annual Ashland BalloonFest.
For the first time in several years, the hot air balloons were able to fly on Media Night as crowds gathered to watch at Freer Field. Winds carried the 11 balloons carrying members of the media north of town, with many landing in the Nankin area.
Following the media flight, balloon pilots and their crews packed up their balloons and returned to Freer Field to set up for the traditional crowd-favorite Balloon Glow. As emcee Rusty Cates led the proceedings, pilots fired their propane flames, lighting up their balloons, creating a colorful scene on the field as music played over the loud speakers and flashes from the crowd sparked like fireflies.
Mindi Cantrell, president of the BalloonFest Committee, kicked off the opening ceremonies by thanking everyone for coming out and all the festival’s sponsors for their support.
“We’ve got a great weekend of balloon activities planned. The weather looks very promising,” Cantrell said.
Haley Barker, a freshman at Crestview High, performed the National Anthem as the Ashland County Veteran’s Color Guard presented arms.
Mayor Glenn Stewart welcomed the public to the Opening Ceremonies of BalloonFest. “This event is one of those special events that makes Ashland special and keeps it special,” Stewart said.
Kokosing River Surf Club entertained the crowd with its classic rock sounds, while youngsters were able to enjoy face painting, laser tag, bounce houses, pony rides and other activities.
The Hawkins Fresh Food BBQ featuring the Charcoal Mafia BBQ fed the pilots and the crowds as BalloonFest got under way.
“Things are going fabulous. We got the flight off, so that’s always exciting,” Misty Miller, public relations chairwoman, said. Miller said she’s optimistic the rest of the weekend will go great as the weather forecast looks good beyond Friday morning.
Events continue Friday with activities starting at 4 p.m. at Freer Field. Thirty-three balloons are now scheduled to take part in the weekend’s activities. For musical entertainment, Midlyfe Crisis will perform ‘60s and ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll. Jungle Bob will present his exotic animal show. Weather permitting, balloons will launch and another Balloon Glow will light up the night at approximately 9:30 p.m.
