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Foley, AL – May 5, 2025  – The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University, brought thousands together for a colorful and fun-filled celebration at OWA Parks & Resort. Festivalgoers were treated to a magical Thursday night Balloon Glow, a lively and festive Friday, both with music, shopping, and family activities. “We’re incredibly grateful to Columbia Southern University for joining us as our presenting sponsor for this year,” said Travis Valentine, President/CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “Their partnership played a key role in making this year’s festival such a success, and we truly appreciate their support of this special community event.” Presenting Sponsor: Columbia Southern University President, Dr. Ken Styron, DBA, with Sir Maximus, the CSU mascot! Although we hoped for a repeat performance Friday night, Mother Nature had other plans. We waited as long as we could, watching the weather closely, but with developing storms and high winds in the area, we made the difficult decision to cancel the Friday night balloon glow and all Saturday activities to keep our guests, pilots, vendors, and volunteers safe. Safety is always our top priority. Even with the Saturday cancellation, we’re so grateful to everyone who came out to enjoy the festival. From the live music and Disc-Connected K9s dog shows to the unique vendor booths and all the fun throughout OWA’s shops, dining, and theme parks — we hope you had a blast! “The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is not only our largest event of the year, it’s one that truly brings our community together. We’re proud to host an event that supports our local economy, highlights South Baldwin’s hospitality, and creates unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors," said Valentine. “This festival was the brainchild of balloon meister Tommy Rachel and then-CEO Donna Watts, who brought the idea to our board 21 years ago — and we’re honored to continue building on that legacy.” A big thank you to our event partner, OWA Parks & Resort, for their incredible support in hosting and coordinating this unique experience, along with the amazing live entertainment on the Island Stage! This free community event takes many months to plan and could not happen without the incredible support of the City of Foley, Foley Fire & Police Departments, and our generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to our tireless volunteers and all of the amazing balloon pilots and crews who traveled from across the country to be here and share their passion with us. “We’d like to thank everyone who came out to the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Columbia Southern University! While Saturday’s weather didn’t cooperate, we were thrilled with the fantastic turnout and the energy everyone brought to the event," said Rachel Spear, Director of Events for the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, visitors, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers — and especially the City of Foley and OWA Parks & Resort. This event takes months of planning, and seeing it come to life is always rewarding. We can’t wait to watch it continue to grow and evolve in the years to come — and we hope to see everyone back at next year’s fest.” A heartfelt thank you to the talented pilots  who traveled from near and far to attend and provide our guests with such a magical experience. We’re also deeply grateful to our incredible entertainers  and vendors  for sharing their amazing talents. It’s an honor and a privilege to host this special event—one that brings together residents and visitors alike to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of South Baldwin County! 📅 Save the date!  The 2026 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held April 30 – May 2, 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for even more fun, color, and community. [photo by OWA Parks & Resort] Follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and future announcements — More photo shares will be posted soon! NOTE ABOUT TICKETS: The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is a free event open to the public. VIP parking passes are valid all weekend for flexibility. As ballooning is weather-dependent, all ticketed experiences follow a no-refund policy outlined at purchase. However, if you purchased VIP parking and did not check in or attend any day of the event, we’ll contact you about a refund. For those who purchased the $150 VIP Experience, we’ll reach out via the email provided at checkout regarding a partial refund for Saturday.

2025 GCHABF Balloon Glow FOLEY, AL  — The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues its vibrant celebration tonight, Friday, May 2, 2025, at OWA Parks & Resort  in Foley, Alabama. Festival gates open at 3 PM , with a full lineup of exciting activities, including live music, vendor shopping, the Disc-Connected K9s Dog Show , and the much-anticipated Balloon Glow . However, due to severe weather predictions including heavy rain and thunderstorms for Saturday, May 3 , all activities for Saturday’s  festival day have been canceled . This decision was made to ensure the safety of festival guests, pilots, volunteers, vendors, and staff. Friday Night’s Festivities Are ON! Festivalgoers are invited to join the fun this evening! Guests can enjoy a variety of activities on the festival grounds, including: Live music performances A selection of unique vendors The Disc-Connected K9s Dog Show Delicious food and treats In addition, the Balloon Glow  is scheduled to take place tonight. The balloon glow field  will be open once it’s safe for festivalgoers to enter. Announcements will be made over the intercom once the field is ready for access. For safety, please stay behind the barricades  and allow the balloon crews ample room to safely inflate the balloons. Additionally, the gravel road  near the balloon field must remain clear for emergency vehicles at all times. The festival team will post an update after the pilots meet at 5:30 PM  regarding the balloon glow’s status. 2025 GCHABF Balloon Glow Saturday’s Weather-Related Cancellation Due to the forecasted inclement weather, including rain and potential thunderstorms, Saturday’s scheduled events are canceled to prioritize the safety of attendees and participants. Festival organizers have worked closely with weather officials to monitor the situation and made this decision out of an abundance of caution. “We are grateful for everyone who has joined us so far and want to express our appreciation for their understanding regarding the cancellation of Saturday’s activities,” said event organizers. “We encourage festivalgoers to join us tonight for a fantastic evening of entertainment and fun before the weather takes a turn.” Looking Ahead Thank you to everyone who attended the festival this week, and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s event in 2026. Despite the weather challenges on Saturday, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an event full of joy and excitement, and the community support has been overwhelming. For updates and more information, please visit the official Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival website: www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com . Stay connected with us on social media to get real-time event updates and announcements.

FOLEY, AL – The highly anticipated Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  is set to return May 1-3, 2025 , bringing a sky full of color and excitement to Foley, Alabama. While the festival is FREE to attend , a limited number of VIP Experience tickets  are now on sale—so don’t wait to secure your spot! The VIP Pass  ($150 per person) includes: Dinner  on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night VIP Parking Unlimited Coca-Cola products Four free alcoholic beverages  and access to a private VIP bar Air-conditioned restroom trailers Guests can also purchase VIP Parking separately  for $30 if they don’t wish to buy the full VIP Pass . A significant upgrade to our VIP Experience in recent years has been the relocation of VIP parking . Previously situated in a paved lot near general parking, VIP guests often experienced delays due to peak-hour traffic congestion. To enhance convenience and reduce wait times, VIP parking was moved to a grassy area that is now the closest possible location to the VIP tent and balloon glow field ( see the festival map ). This change not only keeps VIPs out of general traffic but also allows us to provide a dedicated shuttle service with direct drop-off at the VIP entrance—making the arrival experience smoother and more enjoyable. Please note: VIP Parking is included with the purchase of a VIP Experience Pass ($150), but for those who only want the parking benefit without access to the VIP tent, a standalone VIP Parking Pass is available for only $30. These exclusive tickets sell out fast , so don’t miss your chance to enjoy the festival’s best amenities. For more details VIP Experience , visit our Plan Your Visit webpage . Please note: VIP tickets are non-transferable, and no refunds will be given within seven days prior to the event's first day.

There’s nothing quite like the peaceful beauty of hot air balloons lifting off at dawn—and during the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, you just might catch a glimpse of that magic floating across the South Baldwin skies! On Friday and Saturday mornings of the festival (May 2 & 3),  our participating balloon pilots may launch between 6:00 and 8:00 AM  from various locations around the area. These exclusive flights  are not part of the public ride experience—they’re specially reserved for our sponsors and selected media personnel . Because launch sites are determined by wind direction and other weather conditions, specific times and locations cannot be announced in advance . While we encourage everyone to enjoy the beautiful sight of balloons in the sky, we do not share exact launch locations —both for safety reasons and out of respect for private property owners. So how can you keep up with the action? 🎙️ Tune in to WHEP Radio for Real-Time Updates We’ve teamed up with our friends at WHEP Radio Baldwin  (1310 AM / 92.5 FM)  to keep the community informed. Each morning, Clark Stewart , our official festival announcer, is on-site with the balloon meister and pilots , sharing live updates as balloons prepare for takeoff and head into the sky. TuneIn: https://tunein.com/radio/WHEP-1310-s29278/ WHEP online: https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/WHEP 📱 You can follow along from the comfort of your home, hotel, or wherever you may be to have an idea of where you may spot them in flight: Download the free WHEP Radio app  on your smartphone Listen live online  at WHEP.com Or tune in on the radio : 1310 AM or 92.5 FM 🚫 No Live Social Media Updates for Morning Sponsored Flights Please note: To avoid confusion and streamline communication, we will not be sharing live morning flight updates on our social media channels . For accurate, real-time info, we encourage everyone to tune in to WHEP Radio Baldwin .

At the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , we strive to create a fun and safe experience for everyone—guests, volunteers, pilots, and crews alike. One of the most important factors that affect our festival activities is the weather , and because hot air ballooning is highly weather-dependent, we take every precaution to ensure that everyone’s safety comes first. The Role of Weather in Balloon Activities 🎈 Weather conditions, particularly wind speed and direction, play a crucial role in hot air ballooning. For this reason, balloon-related activities like launches, glows, and tethered rides are subject to change based on the forecast . While we always aim to stay on schedule, there are times when weather conditions may force us to delay, adjust, or even cancel these activities to ensure safety. The Importance of Monitoring Weather 🌦️ Our team works closely with local officials and our experienced Balloon Meister , who carefully monitor weather conditions in real-time. The decision to proceed with any balloon-related activity is made after thoroughly evaluating wind patterns and other factors that might affect safety. Even in the hours leading up to an event, we rely on the expertise of our Balloon Meister and local authorities to make informed decisions . Balloon Glow at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Why We Prioritize Safety 🛑 The safety of our festival attendees, volunteers, pilots, crews, and the balloons themselves is our top priority . We understand that delays or cancellations can be disappointing, but the weather is simply something we cannot control. The balloons are large, intricate machines, and their operation requires calm and stable weather conditions. If the conditions aren’t right, it’s in everyone’s best interest to adjust or postpone activities. Balloon envelope inflation at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival What to Expect ⏳ While we do everything possible to ensure that the festival runs smoothly, there may be instances when balloon-related events are delayed or canceled due to weather. These changes can sometimes happen right up until the scheduled event time. We ask for your understanding and patience as we work to keep everyone safe. Stay Updated on Schedule Changes 📱 To stay updated on any schedule changes, please check our Facebook page  regularly. We will post timely updates and any adjustments to the schedule as needed. Please note that due to the high volume of messages we receive, we may not be able to respond to all social media inquiries. We kindly ask that you refer to our public posts for the most current information , rather than sending private messages. Balloon envelope inflation at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  a safe and memorable event for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a tethered ride or marveling at the glowing balloons at night, we’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience—safely. Make sure to share your photos with us on our social media channels!

Have you ever dreamed of standing inside a real hot air balloon? Now’s your chance! As part of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , guests are invited to explore the wonder of ballooning like never before with our Interactive Balloon Experience  — a hands-on, family-friendly display designed to educate, inspire, and wow festivalgoers of all ages. This unique attraction features a cold-inflated hot air balloon  laid safely on its side, allowing visitors to walk inside the colorful envelope and get an up-close look at just how massive these aircrafts really are. It’s a rare opportunity to learn more about how hot air balloons are made, how they operate, and what makes them soar — all while snapping unforgettable photos from inside the balloon itself! Best of all? This experience is completely FREE  and open to everyone attending the festival. 📍 Location:  Tethered Ride Field ( see the festival map ) 🗓️ Dates & Times: • Friday, May 2 | 4 PM – Until • Saturday, May 3 | 1–4 PM ☁️ Please note: The experience is weather and wind permitting. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan of the festival, the Interactive Balloon Experience is an absolute must-see! It’s just one of many exciting features at this year’s event, which includes live music, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, tethered balloon rides, a frisbee dog show, and more — all at OWA Parks & Resort  in Foley, Alabama . 🎈 Join us May 1–3, 2025 for a weekend full of color, excitement, and community fun! Check out the full festival schedule, vendor lineup, balloon team bios, maps, parking details, and more right here on our site .

We were thrilled to join WKRG News 5  this morning for a special Red Couch Interview  to preview the highly anticipated 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , happening this weekend in Foley! Reagan  sat down live with anchors Shamonee Baker and Bill Riales  to share all the exciting details about the 3-day celebration. From hot air balloon launches and glows to arts & crafts vendors and live entertainment, Reagan gave viewers a sneak peek of what to expect when the skies over Baldwin County fill with colorful balloons once again. 🎥 If you missed the live segment, check out the full interview below! 🌤️ Festival Highlights Hot Air Balloon Glows  each evening at dusk—watch balloons light up the night sky in a spectacular display! Tethered Balloon Rides  for a taste of flight without leaving the grounds. Live Music  from talented local and regional performers. Artisan Vendors , kids' activities, food trucks, and more family fun. Thank You, WKRG! A huge thank-you to WKRG News 5 , Shamonee Baker , and Bill Riales  for having us on the Red Couch Interview  this morning. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the joy and excitement of this cherished annual tradition with your viewers. And a big shoutout to Reagan for representing our team so well on live TV! The Sky’s the Limit at the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival! Get ready to witness a sky filled with vibrant colors and soaring balloons as the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight this weekend in Baldwin County! This beloved event promises a weekend of family-friendly fun, breathtaking balloon displays, and unforgettable memories. A Weekend of Sky-High Excitement The festival kicks off Thursday, May 1, and runs through Saturday, May 3, at OWA Parks & Resort, offering a vibrant lineup of activities for all ages. From the mesmerizing evening balloon glows and thrilling tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) to the high-flying Disc-Connected K9s Frisbee Dog Show  and live animal encounters with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo —there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, enjoy live music, local artisan vendors, and mouthwatering food trucks to keep the energy high all weekend long. It’s a weekend full of color, excitement, and unforgettable moments for the whole family. 🔗 Plan Your Visit

Foley, AL – APR 15, 2025  – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new website for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival , offering an enhanced and user-friendly experience for festival-goers. The revamped website, GulfCoastBalloonFestival.com – same address, new vibe – serves as the ultimate destination for event details, schedules, vendor applications, sponsorship opportunities, and more. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, a beloved annual event in Foley, Alabama, draws thousands of visitors from across the country to witness the breathtaking spectacle of colorful balloons filling the sky. With the festival’s continued growth, the new website was designed to make it easier than ever for attendees to access information, plan their visit, and stay up to date on the latest announcements. “Our goal was to create a digital experience that reflects the excitement and magic of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival,” said Lori Pressley, Director of Communications at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. “The new website offers improved navigation, vibrant visuals, and all the essential details our guests, vendors, and sponsors need in one convenient place.” The updated website features: A modern, mobile-friendly design for easy access on any device Festival schedule with event highlights Vendor application portals Sponsor highlights Frequently asked questions and festival maps Photos throughout the site showcasing past festivals The 2025 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take place on MAY 1-3, 2025,  at OWA Parks & Resort , promising another unforgettable weekend of balloon glows, live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, and family-friendly fun. Browse through the site today and start planning your festival adventure! About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, organized by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, is an annual event celebrating the beauty and thrill of hot air ballooning. Held in Foley, Alabama, the festival features live music, arts and crafts, local food vendors, and the awe-inspiring sight of hot air balloons soaring above the Gulf Coast.

3/25/2025, Foley, AL  – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University , returns to OWA Parks & Resort from May 1-3, 2025, with a dynamic schedule packed with activities, live music, and hot air balloon glows and displays that promise fun for the entire family. This three-day event features not only breathtaking hot air balloon excitement but also an array of attractions that capture the spirit of community celebration. Below is the daily schedule ( subject to change; see webpage for the latest updates and complete list of events ): Thursday, May 1 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm:  The Undertow Band 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Style Entertainment 7:30 pm:  Balloon Glow (weather permitting) Friday, May 2 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Vibe Irie 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm:  Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at the Meet & Greet Tent 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm:  Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting) 5:00 pm – 5:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm:  Cadie Calhoun 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:30 pm:  Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting) 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm:  Fly By Radio Saturday, May 3 10:00 am – 10:00 pm:  Festival opens to the public 11:00 am – 2:00 pm:  Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo at Meet & Greet Tent 11:30 am – 12:05 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm:  Interactive Hot Air Balloon Display (weather permitting) 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm:  Hot Air Balloon Pilots at Meet & Greet Tent 3:00 pm – 3:35 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm:  Dorsten 6:30 pm – 7:05 pm:  Disc-Connected K9 Frisbee Dog Show 7:30 pm:  Tethered Rides and Balloon Glow (weather permitting) 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm:  The Tip Tops Note:  The festival is free  to the public. Please note that hot air balloon activities are highly weather-dependent; flight and glow times may be delayed or canceled due to weather. Balloons are typically visible at dawn and dusk, subject to weather conditions. Additional Information Tropic Falls Twilight Tickets: Make a splash and save during the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival—get Tropic Falls Admission after 4 pm with a Twilight Ticket for just $34.99, May 1-3 only! Learn More at  https://visitowa.com/special-offers/ . Off-Site Shuttle Service: Beat the traffic with our complimentary shuttle available at Liberty Church. Friday:  4:00 pm – 11:00 pm Saturday:  2:00 pm – 11:00 pm For the complete schedule of activities, please visit   gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/schedule . Stay connected by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is an annual community event that brings together families, balloon enthusiasts, and local talent for a spectacular celebration of flight and creativity. Showcasing mesmerizing hot air balloon displays alongside live music, interactive arts and crafts, and diverse culinary offerings, the festival has become a beloved springtime tradition in the Gulf Coast region. Presented by Columbia Southern University, the festival aims to create an immersive experience that fosters community spirit and showcases the beauty of aerial adventure. For further information or media inquiries, please contact Rachel Spear at rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com or via phone at (251) 943-5550.

Foley, AL – We are excited to announce Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale, AL as the winner of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster design contest. The 2025 festival will take place May 1-3 at OWA Parks & Resort. In addition to being the official poster for this year’s festival, Mallory’s artwork will also be displayed on the official Balloon Fest t-shirt and other merchandise. Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale, Alabama Mallory is a Baldwin County artist best known for her pet portraits and homestead-focused paintings. Her passion for slow living and nostalgia serves as the focus and inspiration for her artwork. When she’s not holding a paintbrush, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, gardening, being outdoors, and tending to the homestead, The Piddlin’ Farm. Through her art, she seeks to preserve traditional ways of life and inspire others to see the value in the ordinary. Official posters and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival or through the website post-event for any remaining merchandise. You can find more of Mallory Ingram’s artwork on her Facebook, The Piddlin’ Farm, or Instagram, @thepiddlinfarm. Mark your calendars to join us on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, from 4 - 9 PM, and Saturday, May 3, from 10 AM - 10 PM, for an epic weekend you won't want to miss at OWA Parks and Resort! The 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, food, arts & crafts vendors, live music, weather-dependent balloon glows & tethered rides, and the return of the Disc-Connected K9s dog show. ■

The Alabama Tourism Department  honored its 2021 award winners during the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism , held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park . Among the prestigious accolades, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  was named "2021 Event of the Year,"  a testament to its remarkable growth and impact on the region. Pictured: Tommy Rachel, Donna Watts - SBCC CEO, Rachel Spear - Event Director, Candice Martinez, Kylee Raulerson - SBCF ExecDir, Mayor Ralph Hellmich What began as a simple idea in 2005 has since soared to new heights . Tommy Rachel , owner of Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Co.  in Magnolia Springs, first pitched the festival concept to fellow aeronauts before bringing it to Donna Watts, President & CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce . With her support, the idea quickly gained momentum, leading to a collaboration with the City of Foley  to launch what would become one of Alabama’s most beloved events. Originally held at the Foley Sports Complex , the festival has since found its home at OWA , where it has continued to flourish. In its 17th year, the 2021 event recorded its largest attendance to date , with over 120,000 visitors  experiencing the magic of hot air balloons filling the Gulf Coast sky. Accepting the Award & Looking to the Future Rachel Spear, Event Director for the South Baldwin Chamber , along with festival founder Tommy Rachel , proudly accepted the award on behalf of the festival. Spear reflected on the journey, saying: "For the past seven years of working with the South Baldwin Chamber’s event team, I have watched the festival morph and grow into what it is today. Nothing in my career has been more satisfying than seeing the smiles on visitors' faces as they watch hot air balloons inflate all around them. This event would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors and the partnership and support of the City of Foley and OWA. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you." With the festival’s reputation soaring higher than ever , the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival  continues to bring breathtaking sights, family-friendly fun, and a unique celebration of aeronautics  to Foley, Alabama. As the event moves forward, it remains a shining example of what vision, community support, and dedicated leadership can achieve . Photos from the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzxLTL

Alabama Tourism Department recognizes industry leaders The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has long been a beloved event in Alabama, drawing thousands of visitors annually to the picturesque skies of Baldwin County. In 2021, this vibrant festival received a prestigious honor from the Alabama Tourism Department, being named the Attraction of the Year . This accolade not only solidified the festival’s place as a must-visit destination but also highlighted its significance in the state's tourism landscape. Balloon Glow at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival A Sky-High Achievement Each year, the Alabama Tourism Department recognizes the people, organizations, and events that make outstanding contributions to the state's thriving tourism industry. The 2021 awards celebrated a variety of honorees, from historical landmarks to industry leaders, but the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival stood out as a shining example of community spirit, entertainment, and tourism excellence. Hosted in Foley, Alabama, the festival has grown exponentially since its inception in 2005. What began as a small gathering of balloonists has evolved into a three-day spectacle featuring more than 40 hot air balloons, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities. Moving to OWA Parks & Resort in recent years has further expanded the festival’s reach, providing attendees with enhanced entertainment options and amenities. Celebrating Excellence in Alabama Tourism The Alabama Tourism Department’s recognition extends beyond the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Other winners included the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration  as the 2022 Attraction of the Year , and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center , which held the same title in 2021. Additionally, awards were given to influential advocates such as Herb Malone, CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Senator Greg Albritton named winner of the Government Advocate Award of the Year. Each of these honorees represents the diverse experiences Alabama offers, from cultural enrichment to scientific discovery. However, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival's recognition as Attraction of the Year  speaks to its unique ability to captivate audiences of all ages, blending breathtaking visuals with an immersive festival atmosphere. Rachel Spear Recognized with Prestigious BFA Director Award Rachel Spear, Director of Events at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, was awarded the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) Director Award in 2022 for her outstanding contributions to the ballooning community. Her leadership and dedication have played a vital role in the continued success and growth of the festival, making it one of the premier events in the region. A Bright Future Ahead With its well-earned title, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues to soar to new heights. The festival’s impact on Baldwin County's economy and tourism industry is undeniable, drawing visitors from across the country to witness the magical sight of colorful balloons dotting the sky. As it grows and evolves, this cherished event remains a testament to Alabama’s dedication to providing unforgettable experiences. For those who have yet to experience the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, this award-winning attraction is a must-see. Whether you're a longtime attendee or a first-time visitor, the festival offers an unparalleled celebration of aeronautics, artistry, and community—a true Alabama treasure recognized at the highest level.