Fun news from Madisonville, Kentucky. At the end of next month, the city will host, for the first time ever, a hot air balloon show called Madisonville Illuminated.

The event is reminiscent of a balloon festival that used to be held at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro. For years, as part of the annual Dazzling Daylily Festival, the Botanical Garden also showcased hot air balloons with Balloons Over the Garden. There were many on display and floating above the property. They even offered tethered rides above the gardens, but also rides that launched from the grounds and flew across parts of Owensboro.

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A few years ago, back in June of 2016, I was invited to take one of those rides. I talked my mom into flying with me. We climbed into our balloon- piloted by Travis Vencel- and we set sail over the west side of town.

Chad Benefield
Chad Benefield
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It was incredibly peaceful and quiet. When we flew over the parking lot of the Kroger on Starlite Drive, I was yelling down at friends who were headed to their cars. It was so fun! Then, we landed our balloon over at the Mid-America Airpark.

Madisonville's show will focus on illumination! It will feature tethered balloons that will truly be lighting up Mahr Park from 4pm to 10pm, Friday, August 30th. The city is currently recruiting vendors who's like to be a part of the festivities. If you're interested in joining, you can sign up by CLICKING HERE!

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