Call to artists for 2009 Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival

Artists and craftspeople interested in offering their works in a festival setting are invited to apply to participate in the 2009 Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Scheduled for September 25-26 on the Pellissippi Campus, the event draws 10-15,000 visitors yearly. The balloon festival has been designated by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.”

The festival features local and out-of-state balloonists. Two popular activities are the tethered balloon rides and the evening balloon glows, in which balloons light up around the large pond to choreographed music. The event also includes live music, entertainment, a children’s area, and food and arts vendors.

The balloon festival is a fundraiser to support student scholarships through the Pellissippi State Foundation. This year is the sixth annual celebration.

Though not a juried event, the festival requires that participating artisans offer only handcrafted works for sale; no commercially manufactured items are allowed. The fee of $125 covers the use of an assigned 12-by-12-foot space with a 110-volt outlet. Vendors provide their own table, chairs and tents, which are optional.

The deadline for arts and crafts vendor applications is August 15. Those interested are encouraged to apply early while spaces are still available.

For additional information and an application, contact Pat Myers, event coordinator, at 539-7242 or pmyers@pstcc.edu.