15th Annual Hot Air Balloon Glow set for Friday evening
SPRINGFIELD, MO. (KY3) – After the annual Hot Air Balloon Glow presented by Ozark Chevrolet returns to its original location on Friday night at Finley River Park in Ozark, MO after being postponed and locations relocated due to the pandemic.
The Balloon Glow is part of the two-day Sertoma Duck Race Festival, which features multiple activities including live music in an entertainment area, food and drink stalls, stalls for small businesses and artisans, and a kids’ zone with various carnival-type rides for families to enjoy .
The 15th Annual Hot Air Balloon Glow supports the Children’s Smile Center’s efforts to offset the cost of running dental clinics for low-income children ages 1-19 and pregnant women covered by Missouri Medicaid; in six counties. The Balloon Glow press release stated that this is the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Children’s Smile Center, providing family fun for thousands of families and individuals.
What to Expect:
With so many people expected to attend the 2021 Balloon Glow, Barger said they encourage people to make their own decision about what they are most comfortable with at large gatherings.
“We want to emphasize that this is an outdoor event,” said Barger. “We know this area has worked hard to stay safe on a personal level if you are in any way uncomfortable with crowds and don’t want to participate. These are individual decisions that we definitely respect. “
It takes almost six months to plan such a large event, according to Barger. He said it was worth it to see the smiles on the children’s faces and hear the stories of balloon pilots and their adventures.
Joel Sturdevant, Remax Balloon Pilot, agreed.
“It’s fun to see everyone’s different reactions to the balloons,” explained Sturdevant. “Most people have never seen a hot air balloon up close, and those who have seen a hot air balloon have only seen it from a distance. That gives them the opportunity to see it up close and really get an idea of how big it is. “
Sturdevant will own one of the seven hot air balloons this year. He has been a balloon pilot for 40 years and a long-time balloon glow participant. He says he loves being in the air, but he also enjoys the moments and experiences that come with being part of the annual glow.
“It never gets old and it’s a unique experience,” said Sturdevant. “It’s a great thing too, and a lot of people are just looking for some fun outdoors so people don’t feel like they’re locked in. It just gives the world a positive turn today. “
Barger explained that the balloons are tied to the ground at all times so that attendees can enjoy a 60- to 90-minute glow experience depending on the weather and wind speed.
“We want everyone to know that the event is extremely sensitive to weather and wind conditions,” said Barger in a press release. Due to the unpredictability of the Ozark weather, there is always the possibility that the event may not go ahead. Please inform yourself on our Facebook page. “
Large crowds affect traffic, parking:
Entry to the event is FREE, but there is a $ 5 parking fee for the Sertoma Duck Race Festival, which includes the balloon glow. There is parking with a shuttle at the high school and junior high school!
The organizers of Hot Air Balloon Glow in southwest Missouri are creating a map of parking facilities.(KY3)
The festival opens and the parking lot starts at 5:00 p.m. Due to the number of attendees, Barger explained in a press release, visitors to the Balloon Glow must arrive in good time before the hot air balloons are inflated, which is near 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. “4C Sertoma works well with the Ozark Police Department and volunteer groups who manage the parking lots to ensure the most orderly route to the park,” said Barger. “But make no mistake, the traffic and parking are opportunities for patience and planning,” he added.
Law enforcement officials have estimated the crowd at over 10,000 in recent years. “It is a challenge to bring so many people and vehicles into one place at the same time. Once you get to the park, you can admire the area around the park, the trees, the river, the bridge and the Ozark mill.
Information about the event:
Finley River Park in downtown Ozark, 891-961 N Riverside Rd, Ozark, MO 65721
Grounds open from 5:00 p.m.
GLOW begins at dusk (approx. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Entry to the Sertoma Duck Race Festival and the Balloon Glow is FREE
The Sertoma Duck Race Festival has costs related to its event, including a parking fee of $ 5.
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