The Sixth Annual Great Midwest Balloon Fest takes off at a new site this year, the Ag Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
“We are expecting big crowds, hot air balloons flying and glowing, lots of fun for the kids who get to Trick or Treat the Pilots and so much more. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}When the sun goes down … the magic begins,” said Robbie Small, president of the festival.
According to Small, over the past five years the Great Midwest Balloon Fest has fast become one of the largest and most popular events hosted in the greater Kansas City community. The 2014 family-friendly hot air balloon festival attracted more than 50,000 spectators.
In addition to the beauty and excitement of 60-plus hot air balloons flying, fun features for 2015 include:
• Balloon glows Friday and Saturday evenings
• Free balloon competitions Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.
• Octoberfest Beer Garden with live bands, entertainers, craft beers, brats and giant pretzels
• Six special shaped giant hot air balloons
• Kid’s Halloween costume contest
• Giant kite exhibition
• Bigger and better carnival
• Kidz Zone with arts and crafts tent, performing arts tent with great performers, bouncy houses and activity tent
• Hay rides
• Miniature train rides
• Stilt walker, balloon artists, hula hoop artist, jugglers and more
The fest runs from 4 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 23 and from 2 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 24. The balloon competitions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. The competitions are free; tickets are required for the fest.
Tickets are good for one day only. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8.50 for kids ages 4 to 14; kids 3 and under are free. A family pack (two adults and two children) can be purchased for $40. All festival activities, except the carnival, are included in the ticket price. Tickets are available online at www.midwestballoonfest.org or at local Hy-Vee stores. Tickets will also be sold at the gate.
The Ag Hall of Fame is located one mile west of Kansas Speedway and is located next to Renaissance Festival and Cricket Amphitheater (formerly Sandstone).
Parking is free, but premium parking passes may be purchased for $10 at the website, www.midwestballoonfest.org
Last year the festival donated $25,000 to area charities. Since 2011, the festival has donated a total of $125,000 to local charities.
For the complete schedule of events and more information, visit www.midwestballoonfest.org.{/mprestriction}
