By Tracy Ouellette
Staff writer
Tens of thousands of people will descend on Waterford the third week in July for the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Hot Air Balloon Festival, turning the village into a buzzing hub of activity.
“We’re a small town, but we’re mighty in this,” Kathy Gellendin, second vice-president of the Waterford Chamber board, said.
The festival is in its fourth year and organizers say they’re expecting more than 25,000 people to attend over the course of the event.
The festival grounds open at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 18, with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. The balloon launch window is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., weather permitting. The Evening Glow is at 8:15 p.m., weather permitting.
“It’s gorgeous,” Gellendin said. “The balloons are tethered to the ground light up the night with spectacular colors.”
“It’s so good for the community,” Gellendin said. “The majority of people who participate in the organizing and actual event are local, but the people who come to enjoy the festival come from all over – Illinois, Indiana and further.”
The event has family friendly activities all three days, including helicopter rides, a petting zoo, children’s area, bingo, NFL Punt, Pass & Kick, kite flying, meet and greet with the balloon pilots, memorial balloon launch and more.
“Integrity Funeral Services is doing memorial balloon release on Saturday,” Gellendin said. “Balloons are only $3 a piece and they’re kept under a tent and released all at once at 6 p.m.”
The Morning Launch
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the new 5K Morning Launch Run/Walk.
“The 5K run is the big thing this year,” Katy Engels, Chamber executive director. “It’s sponsored by Real Racine and Aurora Health Care and the proceeds go to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. It’s a fun run/walk for all ages and everybody is invited to participate.”
The 5K run/walk starts at pavilion between Evergreen and Fox River school, goes through Environmental Center, up Barnes Drive to Field Drive, through subdivision behind the schools and returns to pavilion to complete the route, Engels said.
“It’s called the Morning Launch because the runners take off right after the balloons ascend into the sky Saturday morning,” Engels said.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the run/walk starts at 8 a.m. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 the morning of the event. Children 11 years old and younger can participate for free.
What else is new
Another new event is the professional and amateur kite flying that will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Gift of Wings, 9955 W. St. Martins Road, Franklin, will offer kite flying lessons, kites for purchase and the opportunity to see the pros in action.
For more information about Gift of Wings, visit www.giftofwings.com.
Also new this year is the Waterford Lions Club bingo tent, which is will hold bingo session at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Photo contest
Amateur photographers have a chance to win prizes for their shots of the festival in two categories – Balloons and Activities. The contest is open to two age groups: youth, 10 to 17 years old; and adult, 18 years old and older.
Photos of hot air balloon(s) at the festival in flight, during the Evening Glow or on the ground can be submitted for the Balloon category. Photos of any other festival activity can be entered for the Activities category.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners for each age/category and one Grand Champion prize. Photos will be judged on the basis of technical quality, composition and story-telling ability.
Go to the Chamber’s website at www.waterford-wi.org for more information.
How it happens
The balloon festival, which is free to the public, is sponsor-supported and manned by volunteers.
“I can’t say enough about all the people who volunteer their time to help us put this together,” said Gellendin. “It’s kind of neat for the volunteers, too. They can designate what they want to volunteer for and if they really love the balloons, they could work on the ground crew if they wanted.”
The festival’s sponsors are almost all local businesses and individuals, said Gellendin.
“They’re so important since it’s not possible for us to charge for the even, except the $5 parking fee. Without the strong support of our local businesses, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
The Chamber is still looking for craft vendors and volunteers. Any one interested can call (262) 534-5911 for more information.
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