The annual Balloon Classic and Jackson- Belden Food Fest and Fireworks will be held today through Sunday on the Kent State University Stark campus.
One change for this year’s event is the date.
The hot air balloon launch and food festival is being held a week earlier than the typical date.
The move was needed due to a conflict with the United States National Hot Air Balloon Championship, which is scheduled during the same time the local balloon event is usually held in Longview, Texas.
“I hope that everyone is aware of the schedule change and comes out and supports us,” said Steve Meeks, president of the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce.
Meeks said crews started working late last week setting up tents, seats and bleachers.
The earlier date posed plenty of other challenges, according to Meeks.
“We had to work with food vendors who work circuits,” he said. “We’ve been able to put together a great lineup.”
From food, entertainment and activities, Meeks added that “there will be something for people of all ages.”
The event has proved to be a popular annual attraction and Meeks said that other than the dates this year, there will be no other changes.
“We’ve found a formula that really works,” he said.
Vendors offer plenty of fare, including such festival staples as French fries, Italian sausage sandwiches, pizza, corn dogs, hot dogs, cotton candy, lemon shakes and funnel cakes.
Festival goers also can partake in barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, stromboli, subs, nachos, chicken tenders, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, hamburgers, chicken on a stick and cheese steaks.
Meeks added that the festival also will offer plenty of fun things for children to do in the play area with activities and inflatables.
The festival hours are 4 to 11:30 p.m. Public parking lots are available off Frank Road; parking is $5 per vehicle after 3 p.m. Be prepared for a walk and wear comfortable shoes.
SCHEDULE
TODAY
4 p.m. Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks, Kent State Stark/ Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Balloon Classic and Night Glow, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
SATURDAY
6 a.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks, Kent State Stark/ Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
SUNDAY
6 a.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
The annual Balloon Classic and Jackson- Belden Food Fest and Fireworks will be held today through Sunday on the Kent State University Stark campus.
One change for this year’s event is the date.
The hot air balloon launch and food festival is being held a week earlier than the typical date.
The move was needed due to a conflict with the United States National Hot Air Balloon Championship, which is scheduled during the same time the local balloon event is usually held in Longview, Texas.
“I hope that everyone is aware of the schedule change and comes out and supports us,” said Steve Meeks, president of the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce.
Meeks said crews started working late last week setting up tents, seats and bleachers.
The earlier date posed plenty of other challenges, according to Meeks.
“We had to work with food vendors who work circuits,” he said. “We’ve been able to put together a great lineup.”
From food, entertainment and activities, Meeks added that “there will be something for people of all ages.”
The event has proved to be a popular annual attraction and Meeks said that other than the dates this year, there will be no other changes.
“We’ve found a formula that really works,” he said.
Vendors offer plenty of fare, including such festival staples as French fries, Italian sausage sandwiches, pizza, corn dogs, hot dogs, cotton candy, lemon shakes and funnel cakes.
Festival goers also can partake in barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, stromboli, subs, nachos, chicken tenders, banana splits, hot fudge sundaes, hamburgers, chicken on a stick and cheese steaks.
Meeks added that the festival also will offer plenty of fun things for children to do in the play area with activities and inflatables.
The festival hours are 4 to 11:30 p.m. Public parking lots are available off Frank Road; parking is $5 per vehicle after 3 p.m. Be prepared for a walk and wear comfortable shoes.
SCHEDULE
TODAY
4 p.m. Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks, Kent State Stark/ Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Balloon Classic and Night Glow, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
SATURDAY
6 a.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks, Kent State Stark/ Stark State campuses
4 p.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses
SUNDAY
6 a.m. Balloon Classic, Kent State Stark/Stark State campuses