Inaugural Route 66 Balloon Festival set to soar on Sept. 20-22
ARCADIA, Okla. (KFOR) - Magic is set to take flight over the Oklahoma iconic Route 66 with a bird's eye view at the inaugural Route 66 Balloon Festival on September 20-22,024.
Festival attendees can expect the high energy to kick off at the Chicken Shack on the Midpoint Corridor Route 66 in Arcadia as the Route 66 Balloon Festival promises to showcase 12 hot air balloons, live music, food trucks, tethered balloon rides and the mesmerizing Balloon Glow.
Route 66 organizers say, the festival is set to bring family-friendly excitement while featuring a event buzzing with a variety of activities for all ages, including demonstrations by powered paragliders and the much-anticipated Balloon Glow, where all 12 balloons will light up the night sky.
"The Route 66 Balloon Festival is more than just a fun event, it’s a celebration of the history and spirit of Route 66. We’re bringing together communities along the Midpoint Corridor to honor the legacy of this iconic highway while creating unforgettable experiences for everyone.”
Eddy Gochenour, founder of Midpoint Corridor Route 66
Midpoint Corridor Route 66 organization unites 11 cities along a 100-mile stretch of historic Route 66 by unifying, beautifying, and preserving the legacy of Route 66 in approaching its 100th anniversary.
Festival leaders say, the untethered rides have sold out, however festival goers can still book tethered rides on-site. The rides will float passengers up to 50 feet above the ground for a spectacular view of Route 66.
Morgan Snipes, owner of Visionary Balloonworx, a hot air balloon company based in Edmond, Oklahoma, and key organizer for the Route 66 Balloon Festival said, as an experienced pilot, he is deeply involved in community outreach, youth engagement, and advancing the sport of ballooning.
"Flying over Route 66, even in a tethered balloon, is a magical experience. “It’s an incredible way to see this historic highway and be part of the Route 66 tradition. We’re thrilled to bring this experience to festival goers and looking forward to seeing thousands of folks get their kicks at this history-making inaugural event."
Morgan Snipes, owner of Visionary Balloonworx
Event Schedule Highlights:
Friday, September 20:
- 7:00 AM – Morning Balloon Launch (weather permitting)
- 8:00 AM – Vendor markets and food trucks open
- 3:00 PM – Live music begins
- 7:00 PM – Balloon Glow, main field
Saturday, September 21:
- 7:00 AM – Morning Balloon Launch (weather permitting)
- 8:00 AM – Vendor markets and food trucks open
- 3:00 PM – Live music begins
- 7:00 PM – Balloon Glow, main field
Sunday, September 22:
- 7:00 AM – Morning Balloon Launch (weather permitting)
- 8:00 AM – Vendor markets and food trucks open
- 3:00 PM – Live music begins
- 7:00 PM – Balloon Glow, main field
Ticket information:
Day Pass: $20.00
Weekend Pass: $40.00
Parking: $5.00 per day
Kids: $14.00 and under are free with a ticketed adult
For vendor inquiries, please contact Morgan Snipes at visionaryballoonworx@gmail.com or 405-496-4626. To book rides or purchase tickets, click Route 66 Balloon Festival.