Balloon Days approaches despite rainy skies

Don’t forget to look up this weekend as Creston prepares for the 47th Annual Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days. Despite weather which might spoil the flights, events will still take place even if the balloons don’t fly.

Four flights are scheduled for the weekend from Sept. 19-21, although rain and high winds could mean pilots won’t be able to sail their balloons to over 1,000 feet. Last year only one flight took place.

Friday will feature an evening fun flight where pilots can learn the skies and provide residents the first chance to catch bright, colorful hot air balloons. Flights will begin at 5 p.m., with pilots gathering at the Creston Elks Club for their 125 Years Celebration.

Saturday features the first competition flights, beginning with a flight in the early hours at 6:30 a.m. and ending with another at 4:30 p.m. Both will gather pilots at the Creston Airport.

Sunday will feature the final chance for a competition flight with another early morning at 6:30 a.m., once again starting at the airport. All flights are subject to weather conditions and can be canceled for a variety of reasons ranging from rain showers to high winds.

The weekend is likely to feature temperatures in the high 70s, with variable cloudiness and potential showers Friday through Sunday. Winds look to be mild throughout the weekend at around 6-8 mph as of Wednesday evening.

Balloon Days officially begins on Thursday in McKinley Park with the Pork Chop Dinner sponsored by all three Creston service clubs: Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis. The event serves as a fundraiser for the groups with proceeds toward community activities.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., those arriving at McKinley Park can receive an American cut pork chop served with baked beans, applesauce and ice cream. Tickets can be purchased for $10.

The airport will feature several events on Saturday. Food stands will be available throughout the day as well as early morning on Sunday from 6-10 a.m.

At 7:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, tethered balloon rides will be available. Moving into the afternoon, a pet show will start at 2 p.m., and kids can take a shot at a pedal pull at 2:30 p.m.

Also at 2 p.m., Greater Regional Health will sponsor a “Kids Day,” featuring a variety of activities for the little ones — crafts, face paint, balloon races and balloon animals. Creston’s Spotlight School of Dance performance will take place at 3 p.m.

After the evening flight on Saturday, hot air balloons will be set up for a night glow. Even if no flights occur, visitors can get a chance to see the colors of the hot air balloons by taking a visit to the airport.

Other events will occur in Creston throughout Saturday. A craft fair and flea market will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m Uptown. The Balloon Days 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Creston High School Panther Field.

At 10:30 a.m. is the Balloon Days Parade, which will feature the Creston Marching Band, balloonists and other community organizations. The route lines up on Cherry Street, then west on Mills to Pine, south to Montgomery, west on Montgomery to Division, south to Adams, east on Adams to Walnut, then finally north on Walnut.

There’s plenty to celebrate this weekend and, hopefully, plenty of balloons to soar through the sky.