Attendees at a previous All Ohio Balloon Fest are pictured gathering for the nightly balloon glow. Though the Belgian owners of the Yoda and Darth Vader balloons could not enter the country this year due to COVID restrictions, arrangements were made so the special shapes will still be glowing at the 2021 festival. (All Ohio Balloon Fest photo)
2021 will be a comeback year for the All Ohio Balloon Fest following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Coming off the pandemic has made festival planning interesting, to say the least,” said Event Organizer Kevin Behrens.
The fun-filled weekend offers patrons from throughout the country a chance to enjoy hot air balloons, live music, kids entertainment and food vendors.
Behrens said this year’s edition will maintain the strong tradition established with the start of the festival nearly 50 years ago.
“Jack Scott and John Feenstra started the Balloon Festival in 1975 with the community in mind,” he said. “Today, the event is still about local people putting their best foot forward to invite those from all over the Midwest to Marysville.”
Behrens noted that organizers have talked with individuals who will be traveling to the city from Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.
“Having the crowd come to town and stay the weekend in the local hotels is a nice boost to the economy before school starts,” he added.
Along with the economic benefits, all net proceeds from the event are donated to local nonprofit organization, the Hope Center.
“This event has always been about raising money and keeping it local,” Behrens said. “We’re proud to work with the Hope Center so the Balloon Fest can pay it forward throughout the year.”
An event the magnitude of the All Ohio Balloon Fest is made possible through community collaboration.
Sponsors who assist with the event include: Coughlin Auto Group, Bane-Welker Equipment, Bluebird Retirement Community, Memorial Health, the City of Marysville, Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Comfort Inn Suites, Weeks Plumbing, Honda of America, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Richwood Bank, Meijer, Liberty Bank, Middlefield Bank, Monarch Roofing, First Choice Energy Services, Walmart, Remax Winners, ViaQuest, Dave’s Pharmacy, Roy Heflin and Benny’s Pizza.
Behrens added that the Union County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in safety planning meetings between officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, Union County, the City of Marysville and State of Ohio to ensure the festival goes smoothly.
Individual community members also stepped up to ensure the festival offers the features attendees have come to know and love, despite the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
Behrens noted that Matt Burkhardt of Monarch Roofing helped make the beloved Darth Vader and Yoda hot air balloons available.
The Belgian owners of the two balloons, Benoit and Michele Lambert, could not enter the country this year. However, arrangements were made so the special shapes can still glow at the festival.
Though it will look a bit different than year’s past, the 2021 event will still feature a kids area.
Free kids entertainment will include a balloon artist courtesy of Benny’s Pizza and a hot air balloon science show courtesy of Coldwell Banker. Jump houses will not be available this year to maintain COVID-19 safety measures.
Thursday’s musical lineup will feature Shane Stephens Band, Cliff Cody and headliner Cole Swindell. Friday’s entertainment will continue with Jacked Up, Michael Christopher, Paulina Jayne and headliner Mitchell Tenpenny.
Last-minute changes were made to Saturday’s lineup, which will now include The British Invasion and Saving Jane. Bon Journey will not be at the All Ohio Balloon Fest this year.
The All Ohio Balloon Fest will take place Thursday, Aug. 12 through Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Union County Airport. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com.
For more information, those interested may visit www.allohioballoonfest.com.