ASHLAND — Rain grounded hot air balloons on the opening day of Ashland BalloonFest.
But this didn’t stop family and friends from enjoying the evening.
The 36th annual BalloonFest opened at 4 p.m. Thursday at Freer Field. Ashland residents and visitors alike came to see the balloons, including participants in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure.
Rain began falling around 5 p.m., forcing organizers to cancel flights for the day. Optimal weather for flying requires low wind speeds, high visibility and no rain or thunderstorms within 100 miles of the festival.
Attendees still had the opportunity to see two balloons inflated on the field. Visitors could take photos and watch the pilots ignite the burners.
The rainy weather did not dampen the atmosphere. Families lined up for monster truck rides, ate festival food and listened to live music throughout the evening.
SB Music took the main stage from 5 to 9 p.m., performing songs including “Play That Funky Music” while the audience danced along.
Ashland City Council member Angela Woodward welcomed attendees during the opening ceremony, kicking off the weekend’s festivities.
“Only we can put monster trucks and hot air balloons together and make sense,” Woodward said.
She also asked the crowd to join in a moment of silence in honor of Mary MacDonald, an active member of the Ashland community.
Those who attended Wednesday’s BalloonFest preview were able to get an up-close look at the hot air balloons, ask pilots questions and watch the burners fill the envelope with hot air. Some children had the opportunity to help fire the burners under the pilots’ supervision.
While only a preview, one balloon briefly lifted off where visitors could watch.
Festival organizers encourage Ashland residents to lay a white bed sheet in their yards to signal balloons to land on their property.
Activities resume Friday and Saturday
BalloonFest continues Friday and Saturday, weather permitting, with morning and evening balloon launches. Additional entertainment includes wood carvers, helicopter rides and tethered balloon rides. Saturday will also feature a 100 Jeep display.
Posts from the official BalloonFest Instagram account, “ashlandballoonfest” help attendees stay in the loop and follow the day’s schedule.
BalloonFest will come to a close Saturday at 9:15 p.m. when the final balloon glow encounter lights up Freer Field.
Below are more photos from the 36th annual BalloonFest at Freer Field in Ashland. Credit: Abby Hiday
