Once again this summer, Kansas City skies will be filled with balloons, as the U.S. Bank Midwest Balloon Fest returns Aug. 10-12 to the Great Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe. Last year, nearly 50,000 balloon fans filled the grounds around the Great Mall, and this year’s event will bring more fun activity to the area.
U.S. Bank has signed a three-year commitment as the title sponsor of the event.
“We are thrilled that U.S. Bank will be our title sponsor for the next three years,” said Robbie Small, organizer of the Balloon Fest. “All the large balloon festivals have major sponsors and U.S. Bank supports the event and what we will continue to bring to the Kansas City area.”
Mark Jorgenson, president of U.S. Bank in Kansas City says the Balloon Fest is just the event they want to be involved with.
“The U.S. Bank Midwest Balloon Fest is a great way for people in our community to get together for a fun summer event. U.S. Bank is honored to be the title sponsor of this annual summer event that thousands of people enjoy,” he said.
There will also be a Friday night concert by Shealeigh, Radio Disney’s Season 4 NBT (Next Big Thing) winner. And Saturday night features a concert by country music star Clay Walker. Walker began his career in 1993 and has a total of 11 number one songs. Walker’s appearance is part of KFKF-FM’s Summer of Freedom Concert Series.
Tickets to the Balloon Fest are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased either online at www.greatmidwestballoonfest.org. or at all local Hy-Vee stores in the metro area. Ticket prices are $5 for ages 6-12 and children 5 and under are free. Special VIP tickets are available as well.
Event organizer Small says, “The event last year proved that our area can support an annual Balloon Fest. This year, we’ll have two nights of Balloon Glows, sponsored by Farmers Insurance. We’ll also have early morning fly-in competitions on Saturday and Sunday mornings that are free of charge. Add in our terrific Friday and Saturday night entertainment and you have a weekend filled with fabulous fun.”
Also, returning this year are several special shape balloons, including Annie, the Giant Ladybug, Oggy the Dragon and the Panda Bear. “We are bringing an 11-story high Jack in the Box balloon to the event, which is something to behold,” Small said.
There will also be world champion John Petrehn, who lives in the Kansas City area, and current national champion Nick Donner competing along with champions from other countries.
Last year the Balloon Fest was able to donate nearly $50,000 to charity.
“While we all love to see the magic of hot air balloons, we are truly pleased we were able to donate so much to local charities,” Small said.
Recipients of charitable funds this year are Harvesters, the Olathe Christmas Tree Fund (benefiting 14 area organizations for children at risk) and the USO.
Hot air rides along with tethered rides, sponsored by Olathe Medical Center, can be purchased through the festival’s Facebook page and website. Other attractions include a Kidz Zone and various food booths.
For more information go to www.greatmidwestballoonfest.org.