The wait is over.
It's officially Balloon Rally Weekend in Wellsville as dozens of hot air balloons and thousands of spectators descend upon the Allegany County village July 19-21.
Weather permitting — and the early forecast is promising — four mass liftoffs at Island Park will highlight the weekend, which also features the popular Main Street Festival, vendors, food, live music, balloon afterglows and a fireworks show.
Here's what you need to know about the free event before you go. This story will be updated throughout the weekend with the latest on whether the balloons will fly, plus news, photos and video from the events.
5:54 p.m. Friday: Rally opens with hopes for going 4-for-4
Rally Chairman Brad Thompson delivered remarks and officially declared the 2024 Rally open at 5:54 p.m.
Balloons will be go for launch shortly after 6 p.m. following a pilot's meeting. Thompson is optimistic to go 4-for-4 on launches this weekend, a rarity.
Balloonmeister Tony Saxton told pilots and crew "there is nothing (no poor weather) on the radar" -- another rarity, and wind is not expected to be an issue.
The pilot's meeting concluded at 6:15 p.m. All balloons must launch by 7:45 p.m
Stay tuned for more info, photos and video from the launch.
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 at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- The final mass balloon launch is scheduled for 6 a.m. Sunday, July 21.
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. Vendors in Island Park will open at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
What about parking at the Balloon Rally?
Limited handicap parking is available at Island Park, but there is no parking for the general public. Rally-goers are advised to park legally in the village and walk to Island Park, or hop on a free shuttle in the Northern Lights Candles parking lot at 3474 Andover Rd. or the Riverwalk Plaza parking lot at 111 Bolivar Rd.
Shuttle buses will start running at 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and run to approximately 10:30 p.m. each night.
Shuttle buses are not offered for the Saturday and Sunday morning launches.
What about flying in a balloon?
If you want a taste of what it's like to soar in a hot air balloon but didn't book a ride before the rally, Sky Candy Balloons will be offering tether rides Friday evening, and during both the morning and evening launch windows on Saturday.
Tether rides cost $20 per person, and children must be accompanied by an adult. All tether rides are weather dependent.
What's happening other than the balloon launches?
While the balloons are the main attraction, there's plenty of other activities to keep families busy throughout the 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 Main Street Festival on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. keeps growing. Last year was the biggest yet, and the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce has booked a new record number of vendors for 2024.
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.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: LIVE: Updates from the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. Will the balloons fly?
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