Ohio hot air balloon festival is a success

The residents of Ohio were out in force at the weekend as the 2013 Van Wert Hot Air festival took over a number of the county’s fairgrounds. With a schedule of large-scale events spread across the weekend, the festival kicked off on Thursday at the Van Wert Regional Airport. The opening comprised a media event and tethered hot air balloon rides for those who have special needs. Speaking about the occasion, organiser Jerry Mazur said:

“We are really proud of this event. This offers an opportunity for those who are challenged both mentally and physically do not often have [sic].”

Refreshments were on offer to those attending and distant balloon rides were made available for the various news outlets present. Events at the fairgrounds began on Friday afternoon with a raffle display, food vendors and the Brew Ha-Ha beer garden. Further entertainment throughout the weekend included train rides, arcade games, pony rides, miniature golf and a small petting zoo. Visitors also enjoyed numerous garage sales, musical performances, model train displays and helicopter rides. There was plenty on offer to keep all members of the family occupied. In addition to the distant and tethered balloon rides, a special evening Balloon Glow took place around on Friday, whilst attendees on Saturday morning witnessed the Pre-Dawn Glow and Dawn Patrol launch, the first of its kind in the area. Organisers are hailing the weekend as a success as visitors were drawn from across the region.