One of my favorite summer traditions is to attend the Hot Air Balloon festival hosted at Smith Park in Middletown Ohio. I went with my two best friends for the first time in 2021 and it has since become one of my most favorite events of the year.
As I made a return this past weekend it was exciting to see familiar balloons along with ones I had not previously seen. As a college age adult, I am constantly out looking for fun things to do that do not break the bank.
The Hot Air Balloon Festival does not disappoint with the admission cost being $15 per vehicle for parking. Entrance to the park begins between 4-5 p.m. and the festivities last until 10 p.m. A shuttle service takes guests from the parking area to the festival at no extra cost.
Upon entrance to the park my friends and I walked through and took notice of the different vendors and carnival-like rides that were set up. Live music was playing for most of the evening in addition to an announcer that provided information on the different attractions that were taking place.
For an additional cost, guests had the opportunity to participate in helicopter rides and even go up in a tethered balloon ride. While I prefer to keep my feet firmly on the ground it was quite impressive to see the balloons flying high in the sky.
One of my favorite parts of the night was when a group of Fastrax skydivers came down with streamers and the largest American flag I have seen up close. From the crowd’s excited cheers, it is fair to say that they once again amazed and impressed the crowd with their spectacular show.
While at the park I had the opportunity to speak with one of the Air Heads balloon operators Zach B. He has been coming to Ohio Challenge for 20 years, when asked why he comes back year after year he responded by saying “everything you see here, the smiles on everybody’s faces makes it all worth it.” Throughout our conversation, it was clear that he loved his job and the community they served.
As the sun began to set on another beautiful and fun-filled day, the balloons came back down to the ground in preparation for the highly anticipated balloon glow.
Once every balloon was lined up the announcer began a countdown, on three every balloon in the park was filled with light. The glow was nothing short of pure magic.
From children to adults, the amazement and awe filled the grounds. People stood in wonder gazing up at the balloons before promptly taking out their cameras to capture the moment for posterity.
Following the balloon glow, a spectacular fireworks display signaled the festival’s end.
As I made my way through the park I stopped and spoke with Deputy Mike Farthing. This was the first Ohio Challenge he’s worked and when asked how his time at the festival had been, he responded that he was “enjoying it all, the same as you.” He proved that even those in uniform were able to enjoy the evening.
After speaking with Farthing further I learned that he was a Sinclair alumnus, warning an associate degree in criminal justice. I know I will be keeping an eye out for him as he will be joining Sinclair once again, this time as an instructor.
The Ohio Challenge has once again been a success and I look forward to returning in the future.
Rylee Schaeffer
Executive Editor