The Cancer Association's annual Hot Air Affair returns to Anderson County from Friday, August 30, through Monday, September 2, at the Anderson Civic Center Balloon Launch Field.
This event is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for cancer research. It will feature 46 hot-air balloons, the Colors Against Cancer Color Run, and the Durwood Penninger Memorial Car Show .
At the Cancer Association of Anderson's Colors Against Cancer Color Run/Walk, local oncologists, nurse navigators, and other medical providers will walk/run to support newly diagnosed survivors and those who have completed the challenging journey, according to organizers. This event also extends support to caregivers and family members. All proceeds will stay local to support cancer patients in the community.
Tickets for the Cancer Association of Anderson's 2nd Annual Durwood Penninger Memorial Car Show can be booked here. Attendees can also look forward to various activities, including hot air balloon rides, music performances, food trucks, and local vendors.
Event schedule and live performances
The Hot Air Affair event schedule features a variety of activities and performances over four days. The festival begins on Friday, August 30, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday's events will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., while Sunday's activities are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Hot Air Affair will conclude on Monday, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.
Trent "T-Bone" Loftis, Tailgate Homeboy, and other local talent will perform on the balloon stage. Loftis is a small-town artist from the Starr and Iva area whose music is influenced by Cash, Otis Redding, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, JJ Grey, Muddy Waters, and Van Morrison. The Tailgate Homeboy band consists of four local musicians from Anderson and covers many genres and styles of music.
What to know about parking?
Organizers said they are expecting 30,000 plus people for the three-day event. Free general parking will be at the Recycling Center and Anderson Christmas Lights fields. VIP Parking is $20.
All money raised through VIP parking will benefit Anderson County residents battling cancer, organizers said.
Woodcrest to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will be closed for safe crossing to and from the balloon launch field. The parking entrance will be located on the Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. side (where you enter for Anderson Christmas Lights), and the exit will be on the back side, which leads to the Social Security office and mall. Traffic will be one-way, directed by signs and volunteers.
“We look forward to welcoming our family of balloon pilots to the skies over Anderson County every year," Cancer Association Director Angela Stringer said.
The Cancer Association also hosts training sessions for those who want to volunteer and assist with hot-air balloon activities. For volunteer or sponsorship opportunities at the Hot Air Affair, please email Angela@CAAnderson.org or call 864-222-3500.
Safety measures for the Hot Air Affair
According to Anderson County Emergency Team Director Josh Hawkins , providing safety at the upcoming Labor Day events in Anderson County this forthcoming weekend will involve a collaborative effort between the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, the Emergency Team, city police, firefighters, and EMTs.
Hawkings mentioned that the Hot Air Affair would coincide with the Celebrate Anderson festival. Therefore, the emergency team will coordinate with various local agencies to ensure that both events run smoothly and safely. "Deputies and safety personnel will conduct patrols, search bags, and help direct traffic," he said. "A medical tent will also be on-site if anyone needs treatment."
Hawkins emphasized the importance of staying informed and connected. He encouraged everyone attending to sign up for the safety text message system by texting CA2024 to 888-777. This system will provide real-time mass safety alerts if an emergency occurs.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Hot Air Affair returns Labor Day weekend in Anderson County; Cancer Color Run, concerts
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