Ohio’s Ashland County Annual Balloonfest
Whether you fly balloons, manufacture the balloons, or just enjoy watching them, you’ll want to be there when the festivities get underway. On two different nights the balloons will fly at night, illuminating the inside of their balloons and making quite a spectacle in the sky.
Many people plan on camping out for the weekend, and some just set up a temporary viewing place near the take-off area or landing field. You’ll see lots of people having a picnic or just enjoying the sun while witnessing the balloon race.
During the weekend of the balloon race and display, there are all kinds of other activities and things going on as well. Motorcycle races, classic car shows, an antique tractor show, a horse show and the farmer’s market are among the delights.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the balloons leave town. Other events during July include the old battle re-enactment, the radio-controlled model aircraft demonstration, community fireworks, an ice cream social, and the Quilt Guild show. Much of the entertainment is free, like watching the balloons fly over or observing the battle re-enactments.
When autumn comes along, they have the Heritage Days, the Farm Tour, and Ashland County Fair. You can also catch the Ashland Symphony, Ashland University Theatre, Ashland Regional Ballet, and the Ashland Symphonic Youth Chorus.
In the winter, they have a holiday parade, Heritage Days, a Candlelight Open House, as well as the Madrigal Feaste and the Festival of Lights. Be sure and also visit the Ashland County Historical Museum and, just a short distance away, a real turn-of-the-century opera house.
There’s no shortage of hotel accommodations, eateries, free entertainment, unique events and general fun when you visit Ashland County. Come for the Balloonfest and stay for the rest of the party!
