You’re driving across the Gay Street Bridge, heading downtown from South Knoxville. As you approach the 17-story Andrew Johnson Building, your view is almost completely obscured by a pink bunny. Yes, a pink bunny.
The height of a 16-story building, the Energizer Bunny Hot Hare Balloon is the tallest hot air balloon in the world. The famous icon won’t be landing downtown, but the Hot Hare Balloon will indeed make an appearance in Knoxville—at the sixth annual Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Located on the Pellissippi Campus, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, the festival offers ample landing room for a balloon that is 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The Energizer Bunny Hot Hare is one of nearly two dozen balloons from around the country to participate in the two-day festival, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26.
The special appearance is part of a 20-city tour celebrating the 20th birthday of the Energizer Bunny. No other stops are planned in Tennessee. At 166 feet tall, the bunny’s ears alone are 60 feet—as tall as the presidents’ faces on Mount Rushmore and also the height of an entire average-size hot air balloon. Its shoe size? A mere 98 EEEEE.
Piloting Hot Hare is Glo Kehoe, a balloonist with nearly three decades of experience. She has served as pilot for Energizer for several years and attends approximately 22 events each season.
Beyond the big bunny, Pellissippi State’s 2009 Hot Air Balloon Festival also will feature live music and entertainment, children’s activities, food, arts and crafts vendors and tethered-balloon rides (weather permitting). The “balloon glow,” always the most popular activity, lights up the night sky beginning at dusk each evening.
The Southeast Tourism Society ranks the festival as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast for September 2009.
Admission is $10 for a vehicle pass, per day. All proceeds support student enrichment opportunities through the Pellissippi State Foundation. Festival hours are 4-9:30 p.m. on Friday and 12-9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Pellissippi Campus is located at 10915 Hardin Valley Road.
For additional information, visit www.pstcc.edu/balloons or contact the Pellissippi State Foundation at (865) 694-6528 or foundation@pstcc.edu.