Thirty-three Years of Ballooning at the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair
Come enjoy our thirty-third annual Balloon A-Fair festival as 20 hot air balloons rise overhead during the third weekend in September. The festival will be in the downtown Ravenna area and at the SUNBEAU Valley Farm.
September 2011 marks the 33rd 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 "Patchwork Skies"; 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 15, 2011 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. The Mini-Marshal is chosen based upon parade themes school children 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 16th, 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 one week prior to the event to attend.
Saturday, September 17th, in beautiful downtown Ravenna, a spectacular 90-minute Grand Parade, sponsored by Fortis College Ravenna, 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. Sponsor for Children's Alley will be the Ravenna McDonald's.
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 carnival 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 20 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, at dusk. Saturday's entertainment is sponsored by Schlabig & Associates, LTD.
On Sunday, September 18th, 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, BAF Classic Car Show sponsored by Portage Community Bank and Haasz Auto Mall and live entertainment will continue throughout the day. At 5:30 p.m., the final ascension of 20 Hot Air Balloons will bring the 2011 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 2012. Any questions can be answered by calling (330) 296-FAIR, or sending us an e-mail at the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair.
Please no pets, bicycles, skates, skateboards are permitted downtown Ravenna and Sunbeau Valley Farm during the festival.
- 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.
Balloon A-Fair's Past Grand Marshals
Balloon A-Fair's Past Mini-Marshals
Past Balloon A-Fair Annual Themes
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