Clears skies, but no launch at 25th annual Erie Balloon Festival

Despite less than idea conditions for a launch, the 25th annual Erie Balloon Festival did the next best thing — balloonists displayed their possessions at Erie High School. (Andrew Pinckney/Staff Writer)

By Andrew Pinckney | apinckney@prairiemountainmedia.com |

PUBLISHED: May 22, 2022 at 6:02 p.m. | UPDATED: May 22, 2022 at 8:09 p.m.

Hundreds of residents and balloon enthusiasts braved the cold weather early Sunday at a downsized 25th annual Erie Balloon Festival.

A balloonist fills an envelope with hot air at the 25th annual Erie Balloon Festival on Sunday morning. (Andrew Pinckney/ Staff Writer) — A balloonist fills an envelope with hot air at the 25th annual Erie Balloon Festival onSunday morning. (Andrew Pinckney/ Staff Writer)

The event, hosted each year by the Erie Chamber of Commerce, brought a few hot air balloons out to County Road 5 and ready to soar in to clear skies. However, because of conditions in a field traditionally used for the event, balloon owners and participants modified their plans and setup at Erie High School for a quick ground burn.

It was a welcomed sight for attendees a bit disappointed from the scrubbed launch.