Volunteers needed for balloon festival in September

Many volunteers will be needed to work at the Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival 2005 next month. Also needed are individuals to work as crew members with the pilots all weekend.

The festival will begin Friday, September 23, at 4 p.m. and will continue September 24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Children’s activities, tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) entertainment throughout the day, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors and a “Pellissippi Idol” contest are part of the family festival.

Country music star Josh Turner and his band will take the stage for a free concert Friday, September 23, at 6:30 p.m. as the main entertainment event of the festival. The concert is sponsored by WIVK.

Also scheduled September 23 is a balloon “glow” next to the campus pond at approximately 8 p.m. Pilots will choreograph the lighting of their balloons to music.

The Mitch Rutman Group, headed by the Knoxville guitarist-songwriter who once played with the Dave Matthews Band, will perform Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. WOKI “The River” is sponsoring this music program. Balloons are to fly September 24 in the early morning and late afternoon, weather permitting.

A call is going out for all talented current or past students to enter the “Pellissippi Idol” Contest.

Admission is $10 for a weekend car pass; there will be additional charges for tethered balloon rides and some children’s activities. Proceeds will benefit the Pellissippi State Foundation, the main fundraising entity for the College.

For additional information about the festival or to volunteer your time and energy, please call the Foundation at (865) 694-6528.