Country duo Maddie and Tae was announced today as the headline entertainment for Friday, Aug. 14, at the All Ohio Balloon Fest, as organizers work with local public health professionals to institute new safety guidelines.
Balloon Fest Officials met with representatives of the Union County Health Department today to begin planning precautions and procedures that will allow patrons to feel safe despite the cloud of the cornonavirus pandemic. While additional sanitation measures are already being planned, attendees will be encouraged to spread out their seating, which could force the event limit the number of tickets to be sold.
Organizers will provide a full roundup of new safety measures closer to the event.
“We have been asked for several years to sign a female headliner so we are excited to bring Maddie and Tae to town for the 45th Anniversary (of the Balloon Fest),” organizer Kevin Behrens said. “We also appreciate the ability to work with the UCHD to make the festival safe for all patrons. We do this with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) too. The FAA provides the guidelines so all aviation regulations are followed by the balloons and helicopters, so developing a plan with the UCHD is welcome by the festival.”
Maddie and Tae found immediate success on the country scene as their 2014 debut album Start Here spawned three hits – the platinum selling “Girl in a Country Song,” “Fly” and “Shut up and Fish.”
Their second album, released recently, has already found success with hits “Die from a Broken Heart” and “Friends Don’t.”
Their first album saw them nominated for a pair of Academy of Country Music Awards for vocal duo of the year and new duo or group of the year.
They have toured with Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley.
Friday’s opening act will be Somerset, Ohio’s Cliff Cody. The Texas native was discovered after singing karaoke at honky tonk where he also served as a bouncer. He made his way to Nashville and eventually appeared as a contestant on the televised music competition Rising Star. He continues to share the stage with the likes of Dwight Yoakam and Travis Tritt while also working as a songwriter for known Nashville commodities.
Weekend passes for Friday and Saturday are now available.
The first 500 passes sold will be available for $10 and can be purchased at the Journal-Tribune office or at www.eventbrite.com
VIP/meet-and-greet and preferred seating passes for rows 1-30 are also available on a first come, first serve basis.
Admission to see the Beach Boys on Thursday Aug. 13 is a separately ticketed event.
2020 will mark the 45th year of the All Ohio Balloon Fest and also takes place during the 200th Anniversary of Union County.
The Balloon Fest benefits The Hope Center. Anyone wishing to volunteer to work on a balloon crew may contact Tisha Miller at community@hopecenter.org.