FROM STAFF REPORTS
Perfect weather, a legion of hard-working volunteers and several key changes to parking and traffic control all contributed to a memorable 49th Carolina BalloonFest.
The weather, which prevented the balloons from launching in 2023, was ideal for flying this year. All six flights went off without a hitch, and the evening balloon glows were spectacular as always. Fifty balloonists participated this year.
Executive Director Sam Parks, who began his role in April, said final ticket sales have not been tabulated so it is too soon to know if the event was successful from a financial standpoint.
The event has contributed more than $100,000 to local nonprofits in recent years, but that number dipped to $75,000 in 2023.
About 700 individuals volunteered for this year’s festival, helping in nearly every aspect of the event from parking and T-shirt sales to working on the balloon chase crews.
“The Carolina BalloonFest could not function without the valuable assistance of the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to help manage such a large-scale event,” Parks said. “As someone who first volunteered for the Carolina BalloonFest as a local chase crew, I can understand their willingness to give back to the local community through volunteerism.”
Under Parks’ leadership, event organizers made a concerted effort to improve traffic flow and parking for the 2024 event. Traffic officers were added at critical intersections, and Troutman police helped with traffic control at the Iredell County Fairgrounds satellite parking site.
For the 2024 event, Parks also doubled the number of shuttle buses, from 10 to 20, which reduced in shorter lines and happier customers. Changes were also made to the shuttle bus routes.
BalloonFest organizers also closely monitored ticket sales and parking tickets each day to ensure that the system did not sell more tickets than the festival could accommodate, Parks said.
The new director said he was pleased with the event overall.
“The CBF organization does a great job with the festival. It’s important to keep alive the legacy of ballooning in Iredell County,” he said.
NEXT YEAR
The 50th Carolina BalloonFest is scheduled for October 17-19, 2025. Tickets will go on sale in April.
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My dad and I helped with the parking at the fairgrounds, but we also have a legacy with the festival when it was known as the balloon rally.