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HUGHESVILLE -- "Balloonfest, Air Show and so much more" - this year's 11th Balloonfest, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Lycoming County, is set for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds.
The family friendly atmosphere is appropriate for all ages. Children and adults will enjoy the puppet show, magician, model airplane demonstrations, helicopter rides and BMX performances that take place throughout the day. ATV drag races will start around noon. And, of course, food vendors, crafters and exhibitors also will line the area.
Balloon launches are only permitted in the early morning and again around the dinner hour, so, according to Sandy Spencer, Rotary member, the only balloon visitors will see during the midday hours is the tether balloon, weather permitting, which offers rides. Air show performances will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and a night air show -- an AeroShell Aerobatic Team and a Team Fastrax night jump -- is planned for the evening. A laser light show will follow.
"It is a challenge to list everything we offer, but we realize many people are drawn to the event either for the hot air balloons or the air show performances," Spencer said. "And literally, there is just 'so much more' we offer."
Spencer has been involved since the idea first was shared by the then-incoming Montoursville Rotary president. The focus of the Rotary at the time was on growing membership and the club knew raising awareness with a community event would allow them to share their personal and global mission of "Service Above Self."
"The event was actually started by Montoursville Rotary Club and then, as the event grew, Hughesville, Muncy and Williamsport clubs all were invited to join and make it a 'Rotary Clubs of Lycoming County' effort," Spencer said.
Without the support of local businesses, such as the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, who truly exemplify the Rotary's motto of "service above self," the event would not be possible, Spencer added.
"Our sponsors make it possible to offer a first-class event and keep it affordable for everyone," she said. "We are so appreciative of their services, products and dollars, and we know we are blessed to partner with them."
Event attendance is greatly impacted by the weather, since festivities take place rain or shine, but on one particularly beautiful day, Spencer said about 7,000 people came out to enjoy event.
"There is literally nothing like it in a very large regional area where people can see and experience so much, so affordably," she said.
The cost for balloon launches is in addition to an admission ticket.Tickets are available at the gate.
For more information, visit www.lcrotary.com or call 570-279-6192.
MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette
Hot air balloons fill the sky from 2014's Balloonfest held at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds. This year's event will be held 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Sept. 16.