Away To The Balloon Fest

By Tim Trudell Freelance Travel Writer

sights of multi-colored balloons, solid colors and balloons with professional company sponsorships, as well as special shapes, including Humpty Dumpty.

The mass ascension begins with a balloon pilot launching and displaying the American flag as the national anthem is played. Upon its conclusion, balloons begin rising from the ground, one by one, until the sky is full of color and shapes. The event is repeated Saturday morning.

Following the Friday morning flights, the rest of the day is open for exploring the area, including visits to the Scotts Bluff National Monument and Legacy of the Plains Museum. Enjoy a drive or hike to the summit of Scotts Bluff, offering views of the region’s buttes and forests, as well as Chimney Rock – used by Indigenous people and settlers traveling west as a gauge for distance to the Rocky Mountains – which is about 25 miles from Scottsbluff.

Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering provides an interesting look into the area’s history, from its earliest days to the western movement, as well as its agriculture base. With exhibits such as plastic saddles, beet farming equipment and a living history community, it’s a must-see when in the area.

Following Saturday’s mass ascension, Mitchell hosts a downtown craft fair on Center Avenue from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Redz Bar in Mitchell is the site of a cornhole tournament, where challengers can test their bean bag tossing skills. A popular Weiner dog race is hosted at a park on the south end of Center Avenue beginning at 11 a.m.

The Old West Balloon Fest wraps up its activities with music, food and drink at Gering’s Five Rocks Amphitheater beginning at 5 p.m. The final night glow begins at sunset and runs for several minutes.

While the Old West Balloon Fest may not be among the largest in the country, it is one of the most entertaining and fan-friendly festivals. For