Balloon festival sees biggest crowd ever

This year’s Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival enjoyed the largest number of visitors since the festival’s beginning in 2003!

The exact totals are not in, but for Friday night’s balloon glow, cars were backed up on Pellissippi Parkway and spectators were turned away at the gates.

“Everywhere I have gone since the event, people have approached me about the ‘spectacular balloon festival at Pellissippi State,’” said president Allen Edwards. “Of course, I am very pleased with the success of the fundraising part of it, and I love getting all the good community recognition for our efforts, but I am even more proud of the collective effort everyone gave to make it happen.”

Pat Myers, director of alumni relations and Foundation events, seconded that sentiment: “You have all just been an integral part of a phenomenal event never attempted or ever accomplished by anyone before in the history of Pellissippi State. Because of you … thousands of individuals from the community and beyond experienced a rare treat.”