Balloons over Vermilion had to battle windy weather and local event competition over the weekend. But event Co-chairman Jim Anderson says the event can still be deemed a success.
The event could not get either of the planned mass balloon launch off because of the winds and storms in the area. But there was the Balloon Glow, the Splash and Dash and several individual balloon flights. Anderson says the event has lots of activities to enjoy like music, vendors, and especially the Kid Zone
But he says attendance was down this year.
Windy weather did not help the event as it caused the cancellation of balloon launches. There also were a number of other events in the county this weekend giving the balloon event competition. Anderson says changing the dates of the event may not be a way to improve the weather and it could cut into the number of balloonists available.
The event, as well as the Festival of Trees, raises money that goes back to area agencies and schools. Last year 175 thousand dollars was granted to local groups, and Anderson hopes to meet that figure again this year.
