21 Annual Erie Town Fair & Balloon Festival

By Nathalie Baret

The 21st annual Erie Town Fair, Balloon

Festival & Garage Rats Auto show is

slated for May 20th. A balloon launch

for the media kicks off the festivities

on Friday, May 19; On Saturday, May

20, event sponsors lift off at dawn,

and Sunday, May 21, pilots fly with

their crew. All balloon launches are at

approximately 6am weather permitting.

We invite the public to come and witness

the Balloon Festival: watch the balloons

inflate on the launch field, walk among

the tethered balloons, and converse

with the pilots and crew. On-site

balloon rides are not available. If you

would like to volunteer as a balloon

crew member, call 303-828-3440.

On Saturday morning historic

Downtown Erie comes alive with the

bustle of over 225 craft, service and

food vendors as they prepare their

booths for the day’s activities.

The nostalgic Garage Rats Auto Show

is back with many hot rods and classic

cars parked along Wells Street.  New this year

is a silent auction along Wells Street

benefitting the Chamber’s

Dave Stone Scholarship Fund.

At Coal Creek Park, you will find

many kid-friendly vendors and live

entertainment by local performers

including Case ‘n Point. Headliner band

Chris Daniels and The Kings will take the stage at

6pm. The balloon night glow begins at

approximately 7:30pm. Families are invited

to join together in helping our pilots set

up the multi-colored balloons. A fireworks

display at 9:15pm concludes the day’s activities.

If you need more information, visit

www.eriechamber.org or call

303-828-3440.

Sponsored by Erie Chamber of Commerce