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At
approximately 5:45 Saturday evening, it was announced that the
balloons would not be flying and the pilots would be unable to set
up the fabric for a full balloon glow. Some of the pilots stuck
around, set up their baskets and burners, and periodically burned
for crowd demonstrations. At about 6:00, you could see a line of
disappointed festival-goers exiting the Open Arms campus. However, a
large crowd remained and still enjoyed the inflatable bounce houses
and games as well as the music and food. The tents on the East side
of the chapel offered a large food selection. The selection included
popcorn, BBQ nachos, walking tacos, Indian street corn, pork chops,
hamburgers, and hot dogs. Brew 66 was also on hand with refreshing
beverages and sweet treats that matched the weekend's theme.
They had Rice Krispies treats and
balloon-shaped and decorated sugar cookies. They announced that
several selections were selling out.
Children enjoyed free face
painting, popsicles, yard games, and inflatables. Children were seen
laughing, enjoying friendly games, sliding the inflatable slide, and
conquering the inflatable obstacles. Parents and family waited
outside the inflatables, taking pictures and enjoying the children’s
excitement.
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Patience rewarded those who stayed,
as a few balloons eventually rolled out of the fabric and were set
up around 7:00. When 7:45 rolled around for the beginning of the
glow, 10 balloons were set up, and some pilots remained for a
candlestick glow. The evening cooled off as families and friends
walked around and enjoyed the twinkling balloons. Pilots interacted
with children and handed out trading cards. During the glow, they
played “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood and “9 to 5” as a
tribute to Dolly Parton, among other popular songs. After the last
song, the crowd was instructed to exit the field so the balloons
could exit safely, and the pilots and crew could begin cooling down
and deflating the balloons.
2026 Balloons Over 66 Family Fun at Open Arms
photo slideshow part 1
2026 Balloons Over 66 Family Fun at Open Arms
photo slideshow part 2
2026 Balloons Over 66 Saturday balloon glow
photo slideshow part 1
2026 Balloons Over 66 Saturday balloon glow
photo slideshow part 2
2026 Balloons Over 66 Saturday balloon glow
video playlist
[Joli Boerma Crane] |
