The Al Brown Complex in Salem will be filled with glowing balloons, all kinds of vendors, a disc dog show, and even a petting zoo with pony rides 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The balloons will be lit up to create a one-of-a-kind experience for Salem residents and visitors alike—with one balloon to offer tethered balloon rides starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Salem MO Spectacular is being organized in partnership between Parsons Chiropractic and the City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Department. The gate fee is $5 per guest 5 years and older. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m., and the balloons will be filled at 4:30 p.m. All hot air balloon related activities are weather permitting. There will be over 60 vendors available for visitors to shop and 10 food trucks to choose from.
Funds earned from the gate fee will be used toward next year’s event, as well as toward needed repairs or maintenance needs from this year’s event.
“We’re really excited to put on this event for the second year,” shared Parks Director Melissa DuBois, reminding that there was a total of 4,000 attendees at last year’s event. “We’re hoping the event will turn out just as successful as last year.”
DuBois shared that organizers are excited to provide a showcase of Salem’s businesses to visitors. Familiar faces to Salem residents will include the Local on 4th, 4th Street Creamery, and County Road Coffee, among others.
Attendees can enjoy a free bounce house, face painting, and petting zoo. The petting zoo will also be offering the chance to ride a pony and feed the animals, at a fee. In addition, attendees can enjoy the chance to throw some axes with Ole Mule Axes n’ Fun, at a fee.
Tyler Parsons of Parsons Chiropractic confirmed that there will be two more balloons added to the roster for this year—with a total of 8 balloons on offer for folks to enjoy, including a bright pink llama balloon. If that’s not enough, not only can you enjoy the lovely glow of the balloons when dark falls, you can also enjoy tethered rides from one at the cost of $15 per person. Rides for that balloon will begin at 4:30 p.m.
“We’re very thankful for the sponsors that allow us to put on an event like this,” said DuBois.
If you want to help sponsor a balloon for next year, make sure to call Parsons Chiropractic or the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department. Each balloon coming to Salem is with the assistance of local organizations and businesses. This year’s sponsors include Curt’s Mobile Homes, The Bank of Salem, Progressive Ozark Bank, Chilton Oil Company, County Fuels, and Choices for People.
