ARCADIA, Okla. ( KFOR ) – Imagine experiencing a glorious birds eye view of one of the most famous highways in the country. We’re talking about Route 66 and you can get that view at the first annual Route 66 Balloon Festival throughout the weekend.
Folks were getting ready for a ride with beautiful views at the midpoint of America’s mother road Friday morning in Arcadia.
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The sunrise Friday morning revealed the start of the new festival. Through Sunday, people will hear the sound of hot air balloons firing up and hop in to enjoy rides as well as 70 vendors. It’s all to celebrate the historic stretch of road running through our state.
“We’re out here just to support it and we enjoy it,” hot air balloon owner Lee Little said. “We enjoy Route 66.”
Little knows of it, but it’s still his first time on Route 66. He’ll fly his hot air balloon named “Phenix” at the festival. It’s spelled the way the Ancient Greeks would have it and he’s had it for 5 to 6 years. The challenge of finding the wind to drive him in the right direction always keeps him coming back.
“It gives me a challenge and a sense of accomplishment once I get it there,” Little said.
The beauty of the balloons and Oklahoma sky draws spectators from far and wide to.
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It’s all building up to the highway’s centennial celebration in 2026. Snipes said they have a goal to fill the sky with 66 to 100 balloons in just a couple of years.
“They’re ambassadors of goodwill,” Snipes said about the balloons. “You know, a lot of people are inspired by balloons. They’re beautiful.”
The event runs through Sunday and the balloons will be inflated from 6-7 a.m. as well as the same time in the evening, weather permitting. There are also helicopter rides available as well.
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