Thirty Years of Balloon A-Fair
Come enjoy our thirtieth annual Balloon A-Fair festival as 25 hot air balloons rise overhead during the third weekend in September. This year in celebration of thirty years, the festival will be in the downtown Ravenna area and at the SUNBEAU Valley Farm.
September 2008 marks the 30th year of the Balloon A-Fair Festival in Ravenna, Ohio. This festival was conceived by some enterprising individuals who believed Ravenna should celebrate one of the city's earliest industries, toy balloons manufactured at the Oak Rubber Company. These industrious citizens organized that first celebration and what began as a few small events has swelled into an exciting annual event with something for all age groups.
Over the years different themes have captured the essence of the festival. This year's theme is Thirty Years of Magical Memories; many events are centered on this theme.
The Children's Parade, sponsored by Ravenna McDonald's, kicks off this year's Balloon A-Fair on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. with several hundred children marching down Main Street, Ravenna. This is an exciting time for children, giving them an opportunity to dress-up, make floats, decorate their bikes, and be a part of the opening excitement. Goody bags, prizes, and Ronald McDonald will be on hand to entertain the children. A Mini-Marshal is chosen based upon essays schoolchildren write relating to the theme of the festival. This lucky child takes part in not only the Children's Parade on their very own float, but they also are in the Saturday morning grand parade.
Friday morning, September 19th, at 7:30 a.m. the Community Kick-Off Breakfast at the Ravenna Elks Club honors businesses and citizens who have made a contribution and given support to the Balloon A-Fair over the years. Reservations are required two weeks prior to the event to attend.
Saturday, September 20th, in beautiful downtown Ravenna, a spectacular 90-minute Grand Parade, sponsored by First Place Foundation, with more than 125 units, will step off at promptly 9:00 a.m. from the East end of the city and follow the parade route through downtown - rain or shine. Again, awards are given to parade units which reflect the festival's theme. The awards ceremony will take place on the Courthouse lawn following the parade. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should call 330-296-FAIR to request an application.
After the Parade,
the crowd can visit craft booths, displays and food concessions that will line Main Street. Live entertainment will be performed on three stages. Children of all ages will enjoy Children's Alley with games and a variety of carnival rides.
The activities will continue as the crowd moves to SUNBEAU Valley Farm located at 3229 St. Rt. 59, where there will be booths featuring crafts, food concession, business displays and more.
Activities will continue all day and evening at SUNBEAU, where rides and more entertainment for all ages will be provided. A hot air balloon launch is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. It is a spectacular sight when 25 hot air balloons lift off. Food and entertainment will continue on through the evening and the live entertainment will continue until 11:00 p.m. The evening will end with a Gigantic Fireworks Display, sponsored by Family and Community Services, at dusk.
On Sunday, September 21st, the gates of SUNBEAU Valley Farm will open at 9:00 a.m. The day will begin with the Antique Tractor Show sponsored by American Fireworks and live entertainment will continue throughout the day with something for everyone. The craft and food booths, Children's Alley and children's rides will also be available. Be sure to stop at the Souvenir Booth to purchase a Balloon A-Fair Souvenir T-shirt. At 5:30 p.m., the final ascension of 25 Hot Air Balloons will bring the 2008 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair to a close. ALL BALLOON LAUNCHES DEPEND UPON THE WEATHER.
Finally, the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair is put to bed at the end of another successful year and we begin planning for the year 2009. Any questions can be answered by calling (330) 296-FAIR, or sending us an e-mail at the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair.
- The Balloon A-Fair is held rain or shine.
- All hot-air balloon lift-offs and fireworks are weather permitting.
- Entrance fees are non-refundable
- Daily admission to SUNBEAU Valley Farm is $5.00, and children 12 and under are admitted free.
- Free Parking.
Balloon A-Fair's Past Grand Marshals
Balloon A-Fair's Past Mini-Marshals
Past Balloon A-Fair Annual Themes
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