MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Municipal Airport will host “Balloons Over Morgantown” presented by Mercedes of Morgantown Oct. 3 through 6 this year.
“We’re so excited to welcome the balloons back to Morgantown! Our pilots love to fly here and enjoy the challenge of the hills and valleys. Our core group of organizers have been involved with this event for so long it’s become our fall tradition, and we can’t wait,” said Balloons over Morgantown Communications Manager, Sarah Claydon.
“It means a lot to us to be able to bring this experience to the community and we appreciate our volunteers as well as the Morgantown Mall and the Morgantown Municipal Airport for helping us to make this event happen every year! Hopefully the weather cooperates and we’ll have a beautiful weekend of balloons for everyone to enjoy,” added Claydon.
“Night Glow” will kick the night off Thursday, Oct. 3 from the Morgantown Mall at 7 p.m. The event around the WVU Medicine building will be a free opportunity for residents to come out and see the balloons up close. Those who plan to attend should plan to arrive early.
Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th launches are scheduled from the Morgantown Municipal Airport at 8 a.m. and in the afternoon at 4 p.m. One launch time is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6 at 8 a.m., also from the Morgantown Municipal Airport.
Launch times are approximate and can be changed due to the weather and wind conditions.
Officials expect 21 balloons of various sizes for the 41st year of event.
Spectators are welcome to chase the balloons to their landing spots, that are expected to vary and are not pre-planned and assist with the tear down. Spectators pursuing the balloons should give priority to balloon crews and vehicles.
“This is a wonderful yearly event showcasing a very different aspect of aviation that most communities do not experience,” said Jonathon Vrabel, Director of the Morgantown Municipal Airport. “We are delighted to host the launches of the balloon flights from the Morgantown Municipal Airport yearly. I welcome the community of Morgantown to stop by and watch at the balloons begin their journey over our community with all of the beautiful fall colors on display.”