Photo Credit: Courtesy of Broome County Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services
How does a park provide a safe and inclusive atmosphere for a balloon festival that draws more than 100,000 people over three days?
With attendance at parks becoming focused on event-based models, balloon festivals can provide tourism and economic development for a struggling economy, provide a low-cost night out for a family of six, and provide a sense of pride within the host community.
The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally in Binghamton, N.Y., dates to 1983 when a few families got together and argued over who had the best Spiedie recipe. Spiedies are small pieces of marinated meat (lamb, chicken, pork, or beef) that are skewered and then grilled. To put an end to their friendly rivalry, the families held the first Spiedie Fest Cooking Contests in 1983 and 1984. The balloons came along for the ride and eventually transformed the gathering into one of the top hot-air balloon rallies in the country. In fact, the event was recognized in 2001 by the Library of Congress with a Legacy Award, which honors cultural traditions, events, and individuals who capture the spirit of grassroots community life in America.