The Dairy Festival Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow
Schedule
Friday June 9: 6 p.m. at Shannon Oaks Church
Saturday June 10: 6 p.m. at Shannon Oaks Church
History
Although the origins of the Dairy Festival started back in the 1930s, some of the events that we now know and love such as the Dairy Airs Balloon Rally, only joined the festivities about 20 years ago.
In the early 2000’s the Dairy Festival was about to end– there was nothing to bring in people to the events. Looking for new attractions, the Diary Festival board came up with the idea of the Hot Air Balloon Rally. At that time, David and Pam Black took over and have done it ever since. “I love all of the Dairy Festival,” said Carolyn McKinney, Dairy Festival Board Member. “Going up in the balloon is so calm and it’s just so nice. There’s nothing quite like it.”
Several balloonists from the world-renowned Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico have made Sulphur Springs on of their go-tos and love the Hopkins County event. Balloonists from all over the world, even national and international champions come to Sulphur Springs because they simply “enjoy being here” said event organizer, David Black.
The Hopkins County Dairy Air’s Balloon Rally is invite only and invitations are sought after in the hot air balloon community. According to Dr. Black, what makes our event so special for these balloonists is not the prestige but how welcoming our community is, when the balloons land in local pastures Dr. Black noted, the owners are happy to have them. In fact, Dr. Black noted, one year the kids in the surrounding neighborhood came to see the landed balloon and were all given tethered rides by the balloonist and spent most of the afternoon with the people of that neighborhood.
The Hot Air Balloon Rally is host to over 30 hot air balloons of all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Each balloon has four crew members so volunteers for the event are necessary and needed. Another huge part of making this event happen is propane; Charles Askews at The Propane Company donates propane every year so that the beautiful balloons may fly.
Looking to the future of the event, the Blacks hope to bring in vendors, food, and music to further involve the community in the event. This year there will be live music, including a DJ(Lonnie Fox) on Friday night and the Army Band of Fort Hood Saturday.
Starting June 9 at 6:00 pm come and enjoy the amazing community and beautiful balloons that the Dairy Festival brings to our county every year!
Contributed by Addison Caddell as apart of her Summer in The Springs series for Front Porch News. Brought to you by Alliance Bank.
