People in Missouri enjoyed the city’s first-ever hot air balloon festival. Sikeston hosted hot air balloon festival in Sikeston Missouri, June this year. People attended the event in a large number to watch and enjoy balloon rides. The event was organized at Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds.
The festival turned into a thrilling event cum food fiesta for the attendees. Many people in Missouri have never been to such an event. Hence, this was new to them and they loved it. Children and teenagers were more enthusiastic and spotted with funny painting on their faces. Adults and even people in their sunset ages looked curious and overjoyed.
The authority announced that their first-ever hot air balloon festival would be held from June 16-18. They reached out to people through their Facebook page. The event kicked off at 4 P.M. on Friday, June 16. Many people thronged at the event as 10 hot air balloons flew into the Sikeston Rodeo Grounds.
Marcie Lawson, the Director of the Area Economic Development, said that everyone looked excited about the event. “They’re going to blow up. There will be a couple available for tethered balloon rides, and then a balloon glow tonight and tomorrow night,” the director told Local 6 on Friday.
Opening Scenario
The festival opened with the tethered balloon rides ascending up to 35-50 feet. The balloon show went on from 5.45 to 9.30. The event was open to all as there were no age and weight bar. Every group had 4-6 people. No groups were allowed to exceed 1, 000 pounds per ride. However, balloon ride was not free as one had to pay $15 for the fun ride.
Balloon Flight kicked off at 7 p.m. followed by Balloon Glow at 8.30 p.m. The balloons were inflated and arranged at the sunset in the launch area. Though they seemed to be taking off, these balloons were strongly tethered to the ground.
The scene was incredibly amazing for the attendees. They were seen walking around and evidently loving it.
Saturday Fest
At 6 a.m. Saturday morning, people gathered in a large number to watch the balloon flight in Sikeston. The hot air balloon festival in Sikeston Missouri opened at noon.
Attendees watched tethered balloon rides with reignited thrill from 5.45-9.30 p.m. Balloon Glow took place at 8.30 p.m. after Balloon Flight at 7 p.m.
People took part in plenty of activities, mostly arranged for children who were over the moon with inflatables and face paintings from 4-7 p.m. on Friday and noon-7 p.m. on Saturday.
People also enjoyed live music as Double Take performed from 5-7 p.m. on Friday night. Southern Draw took the stage from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, with Gen X delivering mind-blowing performance from 9.30-11.30 p.m. on Saturday.
The event ended with the balloons getting high and flying out of Sikeston at 6 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Food Fiesta
People were not allowed to enter the venue with food and drink. More than 100 art and craft as well as food vendors were spotted at the festival. Cheesecake Ninja also took part in the event. Owners Greg and Amy Franklin wanted to be part of the festival as soon as they heard about it.
“When the opportunity to bring the food truck came up, we figured we could win or couldn’t lose by bringing the food truck and seeing the balloons,” said the couple.
The duo expected a huge crowd to attend the festival and try the best food vendors for cheesecake sandwich, chocolate chip and many more.
Even there was a beer and wine garden. Everyone loved it and enjoyed food as well.
Criticism
Some people think the $10 cost per ride for a weekend pass proves it was a cash-only event. However, it could be a grapes-are-sour kind of attitude. Attendees were encouraged to bring sunscreen, picnic blankets and even lawn chairs. However, glass bottles, tents and pets were strictly prohibited.
Final Words
The hot air balloon festival in Sikeston Missouri turned out to be a mind-blowing event. It was the first and one-of-a-kind festival in the city of Missouri.
Fun, food, music and obviously the rides made the festival a big success. Attendees were full with enthusiasm and the expression on their face said it all.
Summary: Hot air balloon festival in Sikeston Missouri was organized in June, 2023. It is the first-ever hot air balloon air festival in the city of Missouri. The event was full of fun. Food fiesta and music were added attractions.
