Wellsville Balloon Rally soars July 19-21 at Island Park. What to know if you're going.

The countdown to the 47th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally is on.

Thousands of spectators are expected for the annual mid-July spectacle that features at least two dozen hot air balloons taking to the sky and soaring over the Genesee River and along the Allegany County foothills.

The Balloon Rally includes four scheduled mass liftoffs over three days, July 19-21, at Island Park in the village of Wellsville.

Admission to all rally events is free and there is ample room for spectators to watch balloons inflate and take off.

The 2024 Balloonmeister is Tony Saxton. The Nichols, Pa. balloonist is a veteran of the Wellsville rally and he has been involved in ballooning since he was nine years old.

All told, at least 25 balloons are registered for the Wellsville rally, according to the all-voluntary committee that runs the event.

2024 Great Wellsville Balloon Rally launch schedule

• The first launch, weather permitting, is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, July 19.
• Two flights are slated for Saturday, July 20: they are at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• The final mass balloon launch is scheduled for 6 a.m. Sunday, July 21.

What to know if you're attending the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally

Organizers advise arriving at Island Park by 5 p.m. for the evening hot air balloon launches and by 6 a.m. for the morning flights.

There is no parking at the launch site, but there is parking across the river. Parking signs will direct spectators.

Restroom facilities are available and many food and merchandise vendors will be on site.

A free shuttle service will take spectators to and from Island Park. The pickup points are the Riverwalk Plaza lot and the Northern Lights parking lot. Shuttle runs are every 20 minutes.

There is plenty to do when the balloons are not in the air. Here's what to look for at the launch site and downtown before and after the balloons get airborne.

'Balloon Central': Afterglow, live music, fireworks, Rally Store open

Island Park will be buzzing all weekend.

Following the Rally's opening ceremony and the first launch Friday night, DJ Jeff Wilson will entertain with live music.

Once the balloonists return from Friday flights, balloon afterglows will light up the night sky, weather permitting.

The largest crowd of the weekend is usually Saturday's throng. In addition to the third mass liftoff of the weekend, local rock band Zoar will perform and there will be a fireworks show at 9:30.

The Balloon Rally store with official 2024 rally t-shirts and other merchandise will be in Island Park all weekend.

For folks who can't get to Wellsville but still want to shop, head to the Balloon Rally's Online Store to get what you need.

Popular Balloon Rally Main Street Festival July 20

The Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Balloon Rally Main Street Festival is July 20, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Main Street.

“Last year’s Main Street Festival was the largest to-date,” said Bruce Thomas, Chamber of Commerce executive director. “But this year’s event will be bigger yet with a record-breaking number of vendors."

There will be vendors selling jewelry, crafts, purses, jellies and jams, clothing, candles, pet supplies, wood crafts and "don’t forget great food vendors will be there too," Thomas said.

The chamber expanded the Main Street Festival footprint this year, with activities now also on Jefferson, Madison and Fassett streets.

Pets and smoking/vaping are not permitted at the festival.

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