Balloons over Russellville

Start: Friday, May 5, 2023 4:00PM
End: Sunday, May 7, 2023 5:00PM

Branson Balloon, along with the Russellville Tourism & Visitor Center, and Russellville Recreation & Parks, are excited to announce the dates for the 2023 Balloons over Russellville festival returning for the 11th year at the Russellville Soccer Complex. The fun begins on Friday, May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo Fest featuring Mexican music, Mexican food, and tethered hot air balloon rides. In addition to the balloons, helicopter flights, powered parachute rides, and tandem skydiving opportunities are available all 3 days. A limited number of hot air balloon flights are available to the public by reservation. Tethered rides are offered both Friday and Saturday evenings and no reservations are required. There will also be a Balloon Glow Saturday evening. All balloon events are weather dependent. Live music will be on stage each day featuring Mexican music Friday evening, Jettway Performance with 7 bands on Saturday, and local talent performing on Sunday. The annual Charity Dog Walk takes place Saturday morning at 10:00. The KidZone offers a safe and fun play area for children of all ages and will be open each day. The 3rd Annual Chainsaw Carving Competition brings 20 of the Top Carvers from all across the US demonstrating their talent while competing for thousands in cash and prizes. There will be a Quick Carve Competition with live auctions each day. An Awards Presentation will be Sunday at 11:00 a.m. The public will be able to purchase completed carvings directly from the carvers and bid in the auctions. There will be opportunities each day to watch the carvers in action and learn more about the process. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be offering delicious food and drinks all weekend, with an emphasis on Mexican food during the Cinco de Mayo Fest Friday evening. There will also be a Salsa Showdown to determine who has the best tasting salsa. Last year the Balloons over Russellville event received recognition from the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Tourism Association and was voted the Pope County Award Winner at their annual banquet. Many local businesses have partnered with the festival over the past decade to make this a community-wide event which helps support various local charities and non-profits. For the 3rd year, Balloons over Russellville is partnering with Project Hope offering them a donation and fundraising opportunities. With the potential to capture so many great photographs during this event, Balloons over Russellville has created a Photo Contest and will be offering a hot air balloon flight as one of the prizes. For details and schedule of events for this year’s festival, visit the website www.balloonsoverrussellville.com