15th Annual Gatesway Hot Air Balloon Festival To Take Flight In Claremore

NewsOn6.com

CLAREMORE, OK -- The 15th annual Gatesway hot air balloon festival will soon be taking flight.

The festival is scheduled August 6-8 at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore.

There is no charge for admission or grandstand seating.

Judi Myers, executive director of Broken Arrow-based Gatesway, a not-for-profit agency providing residential and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, said 33 pilots from nine states have signed up for the event.

Pilots traveling the furthest will be from Indialantic, Fla and Roswell, N.M. Tulsa area pilots include Gregg Sturge from Tulsa, Dennis Short from Broken Arrow, John Rodden from Owasso and Martin Philpott from Bixby.

Festival grounds open at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 6 with a balloon glow slated to begin at dusk.

Balloon flights are scheduled to begin at dawn and dusk on Saturday and again at dawn Sunday. In between, visitors can explore an array of arts and crafts booths, a children's activity area and enjoy pony and carriage rides. Food vendors will also be operating throughout the event.

Hot air balloon rides and tether balloon rides will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.