Thursday, May 22, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems




Today's Hidden Gem: Blossom Time Balloon Festival!

The Chagrin Valley Jaycees tell me this has been a yearly tradition since 1987! If it's Memorial Day weekend in Northeast Ohio, just look up and watch the skies over Chagrin Falls for the beautiful hot air balloons aloft!

Each year, more and more hot air balloons join in on the festivities! World champions come from all over the country!

You can't beat spending quality time with family and friends, maybe packing a nice picnic lunch or dinner, while watching these beautifully decorated balloons launch, soar, and then come back to earth!

You hardly hear this anymore, but admission is FREE! And this event has a wide range of activities for all ages! You are sure to find something for everyone so the entire family can participate. It runs from Thursday, May 22nd thru Memorial Day. Please click the attached link for the entire schedule of events as well as other festival information!

If you're a music lover, get your dancin' shoes on because you are in store for some great live music! A sneak peak at some of the bands performing this weekend include Armstrong Bearcat, Sonny Geraci, Ted Riser and the Marshall Band, as well as Alex Bevan.

What would a festival be without some good eats! The Taste of Chagrin features Chagrin Valley's finest restaurants and eateries at Triangle Park. And if you're game, join in on the pie eating contest!

Hot Air Balloon Fun Facts:

  • balloons are made of reinforced nylon fabric
  • the gondola is woven wicker
  • the most popular balloon is as tall as a 7-story building
  • the average balloon costs $20,000 to $40,000
  • ideal times to fly are just after sunrise and just before sunset
  • a hot air balloon can land in water
  • balloons can stay up for 1-2 hours depending on conditions and occupants
  • inflating a balloon takes about 15 minutes
  • invented back in 1783 in Paris, France but pre-modern balloon invented in China

The Blossom Time parade steps off Sunday at 2pm from Triangle Park. Our very own Del Donahoo is the Grand Marshal. Other Channel 3 personalities should be on hand including Abby Ham, Hollie Strano, and Andrea Vecchio along with General Manager Brooke Spectorsky.

Head to Chagrin Falls sometime this Memorial Day Weekend and enjoy the Blossom Time Balloon Festival. Then you will see why it's this week's Hidden Gem!



Photos: Courtesy of Channel 3 News Videographer Brian Johnson









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