The billowing of hot air balloons, skydiving, BMX racing, and the appearance of two World War II-era aircraft are among the special things that will be taking place at the Balloonfest Air Show and Much More that will occur at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11.

Webb Weekly, asked show chairperson Sandy Spencer about various aspects of the show. She was asked what is interesting and different about this year’s show.

“We do our best to bring back our crowd favorites such as Paradigm Aviator, Dialed Action BMX, Jason Flood, Geronimo Skydiving, Sleds, and Treads, while also adding a few new things,” Spencer told Webb Weekly.

“This year, in addition to Whiskey 7, which is a C-47 transport plane, and the workhouse transport plane used during World War II, (sponsored by American Legion Posts 7863, 35, 104 along with National Fuel Gas and Seneca Resources), people will be able to pay for rides on this historic aircraft.

“We will also be bringing in a BT-13 (sponsored by Williams). The Vultee BT-13 was the basic trainer flown by most American pilots during World War II. It was the second phase of the three-phase training program for pilots. After primary training in PT-13, PT-17, or PT-19 trainers, the student pilot moved to the more complex Vultee for continued flight training. The BT-13 had a more powerful engine and was faster and heavier than the primary trainer. It required the student pilot to use two-way radio communications with the ground and to operate landing flaps and a two-position Hamilton Standard controllable-pitch propeller. So, what is very different for us this year is we are adding not just one, but two ‘warbirds.’”

She talked of the challenges brought by COVID during the past two years.

“While COVID definitely presented challenges the past two years. We still had both events. In 2020, we could not allow balloon pilots to fly passengers, and last year there were concerns that were addressed with masking or other precautions, but we still had very successful events with good attendance,” said Spencer. She continued, “Some people commented that they attended just because they wanted to do something with family (several first-time attendees from quite a distance), while we encouraged those who were not comfortable with attending to stay safe and join us when things improved. So, while we realize COVID is still a very real and serious thing, it is not something that has been a topic of discussion at every planning meeting. That has been a relief.”

She was asked about what she enjoyed most about being involved with the Balloonfest.

“I believe what I find most enjoyable about the event is actually knowing all of the planning, all of the work, all of the effort is finally coming together for another year. Seeing attendees join us and seeing smiles on the faces of those enjoying all that we offer is rewarding,” Spencer said. “We have a few incredible photographers join us, and it is often after the event when we see the pictures that we truly understand a bit more of why the event is so popular and has grown so much.”

She continued, “Something else I truly appreciate is the team of people who ‘pull this off.’ I am blessed to have a supportive committee who are creative and focus on their area of the event to make it a success. One example is our heavy equipment rodeo which allows (mostly) children to compete in skills games on equipment. It is all monitored for a safe and fun time for those who participate. Justin Weaver and his team from Penn College, as well as Earthworks, GOHawbaker, 5-Star Equipment, and Wayne Township Landfill, work together to oversee every detail of that part of the event.

“We also are blessed to work with a great group of professionals and performers. I would know very little about planning an airshow and working with the FAA, but our Airboss, Todd Cameron, has been a welcome addition to our team. Also, I would not be able to organize all that is a part of the hot air balloons, but our Balloonmeister, Rebecca Elkins, has served in that capacity every year for us. And the list could go on and on. From our sound technician, Daryl Lewis (Datman), to our security (Sheriff’s Lusk’s team), to every volunteer who offers a few hours of their time to greet people, hand out programs, or more, it is a pleasure serving with this group.”

She added, “Our goal with this event is to offer a unique, family-friendly, affordable event with something for everyone. The committee members are volunteers who receive no monetary compensation for what they do — they serve out of the ‘goodness of their hearts’ and a desire to be a part of the team that comes together to make this happen. Their rewards have been great memories and friendships.”

Some information about balloon rides. Balloon rides are in the morning, just after sunrise, and a little before sunset, as the weather is the key factor in if they can go up or not. If you want to see the balloons, your best bet is to be in a viewing location by sunrise around 6:30 a.m. and again about two hours before sunset at 6:30 p.m. roughly.

If you want to reserve a Hot Air Balloon Ride: https://www.balloonfestairshow.com/balloon-ride/#balloon-rides

Only the tethered balloon has rides during our daytime event (still weather permitting). They are $10/adult and $5/children 5 under — no need for a reservation; just come to the event and it is first come, first serve basis.

Here is the schedule for this year’s Balloonfest:

Saturday, September 10, 2022 (tentative)
Mid-Day Events
– 10:00 a.m. – Gates Open and ATV Races Start
– 10:30 a.m. – BMX
– 11:00 a.m. – AIR SHOW
– 11:30 a.m. – Kingdom Kidz Puppet Show
– 12:00 p.m. – Randy Butters Magic Show
– 1:00 p.m. – BMX
– 1:30 p.m. – Mackenzie Fish – trick roping
– 2:00 p.m. – Kingdom Kidz Puppet Show
– 2:30 p.m. – Randy Butters Magic Show
– 3:00 p.m. – AIR SHOW
– 3:30 p.m. – Magician Howard Mincone
– 4:00 p.m. – Kingdom Kidz Puppet Show
– 4:30 p.m. – Randy Butters Magic Show
Evening Events
– 5:00 p.m. – BMX
– 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Balloon Launch
– 7:00 p.m. – AIR SHOW followed by Laser Light Show
Sunday, September 11, 2022 (tentative)
– 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
– 10:00 a.m. – Gates Open / ATV Races
– 10:30 a.m. – BMX
– 10:45 a.m. – Trick Roping Show and Demo
– 11:00 a.m. – Magician Howard Mincone
– 11:30 a.m. – Dan & Galla Musical Fun
– 11:45 a.m. – BMX
– 12:00 p.m. – Randy Butters Magic Show
– 12:30 p.m. – Trick Roping Show and Demo
– 2:00 p.m. – AIR SHOW

Additional On-Site Attractions/Entertainment

Roaming Performances