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Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival approaches
SIKESTON — Get ready. Sikeston’s Second Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is only a week away, and here’s everything attendees need to know.
The Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, June 21 and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds.
“But you can also expect to see the hot air balloons flying over Sikeston in the early morning hours of Saturday and Sunday,” said Taylor Deere, membership and program director of the Sikeston Regional Chamber.
Festival admission is $5 per person with free admission for children ages 10 and under. Parking will be available on the rodeo grounds.
According to Deere, last year’s inaugural Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival was a huge success, and organizers expect another successful year.
“We were so blown away by the support for this festival last year, and we loved seeing tourists from all over, traveling in to enjoy it,” Deere said. “The phones have been ringing at our office, so we are definitely feeling that same excitement again this year and hope for another great turnout.”
Deere said the festival will return with improvements to the event layout, parking and traffic control.
“Traffic control was one of the areas we knew we wanted to improve, and we do have increased volunteers as well as Missouri Highway Patrol helping us to make it as smooth as possible,” Deere said.
According to Deere, this year they have a wide variety of vendors.
“Between the food trucks, craft vendors and children’s activities, we are excited to have over 85 vendors signed up,” Deere said.
This year’s options for children will be even more extensive than last year, including mini golf, bounce houses, face painting, tattoos, balloon animals, carnival-style games and more.
According to Deere, there will also be medical emergency resources available at the festival, if necessary.
“We will have EMS on site for emergencies/heat issues, etc.,” Deere said.
Tethered balloon rides are expected to return this year, according to Deere. The tethered balloon rides will cost $20 per person.
The balloon glow is also returning this year, taking place at night on Friday and Saturday.
Deere said the festival will also feature many great local bands.
According to Deere, the annual Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival is a fun event she encourages people to attend.
“This is such a unique festival offering fun for the whole family,” Deere said. “Between bands, food trucks, vendors and activities, such as the tethered balloon rides. there is sure to be something for everyone.”
To see more about the Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival, view their Facebook page.