Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Columbus Ready for Festive Celebration, Awe-Inspiring Hot Air Balloon Regatta By Don Lowe O nce again, there’s a celebration coming to Columbus, Kansas, early next month that will feature wide-ranging activities sure to provide an opportunity for enjoying a festive time together. The Columbus Day Festival and Hot Air Balloon Regatta will be action-packed with three full days of entertainment, including everything from a scarecrow contest, art exhibit, quilt show and pancake breakfast to a 5K run/walk/jog, parade, barbecue competition, corn hole tournament and tractor pull, plus a whole lot more. Of course, the hot air balloons are one of the main attractions. Columbus Chamber of Commerce Director Jean Pritchett said, “This is the only hot air balloon event in the Four-State Area. In fact, there are only four balloon events in the state of Kansas.” There is plenty of intrigue as the sky above Columbus is filled with a colorful, picturesque view, and Pritchett said, “People are always fascinated with the large hot air balloons. “This event gives the public an up-close look at what it takes to get these balloons into the air and back down again.” As for what gives the balloons such a wow factor for all those who get to experience it, Pritchett said, “The glow is the most beautiful as it takes place at dusk. And the glow from the burners just sets it off.” What makes this more personal, according to Pritchett, is because “we allow those in attendance to get up close to the balloons, visit with the crew and take pictures.” Of course, with a show of this magnitude, much assistance is needed. “It takes about 100 volunteers to pull off this event. “Each pilot has a crew of four to eight volunteers that help put the balloon upright for lift off and then help bring it back down and pack it up from wherever it lands.”

As the city of Columbus also has its celebration in conjunction with the hot air balloon regatta, Pritchett said, “As with any event in a community, you’re bringing in lots of visitors to enjoy it. “They take in the festival, they shop and eat, and stay overnight. So, it is always a great economic boost to a community. It also brings the locals to town to visit with neighbors and friends they don’t see very often.” It is a big undertaking, for sure, to get this festival organized and ensure it goes smoothly. “It takes many volunteers to pull off an event of this size, and the planning goes on for about a year.” Then, the process starts all over again. “After one finishes, the committee starts to plan for the next year.” But, in the here and now, it’s time for Columbus to roll out the red carpet for this year’s gala gathering for all to enjoy. Columbus Day Festival and Hot Air Balloon Regatta Fast Facts What: 53rd Annual Festival and 33rd Annual Balloon Regatta When: Friday, October 7-Sunday, October 9 Where: Festival is on the Columbus downtown square, and Balloon Regatta is at Industrial Park on Highway 69 South and Merle Evans Drive. Schedule: Complete list of events and times can be accessed at www.columbusdayballoons.com Additional Information: Contact the Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 320 E. Maple, Columbus, Kansas, or call 620.429.1492. Also visit www.chamberofcolumbus.com.

Columbus Day Festival & Hot Air Balloon Regatta October 7, 8 and 9 Industrial Park & Columbus Square Contact the Columbus Chamber of Commerce for more information on this year’s event at 620.429.1492 or by visiting www.columbusdayballoons.com. Columbus Chamber of Commerce • 320 E. Maple • Columbus, KS • 620.429.1492 • www.chamberofcolumbus.com

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