Looking for things to do? The Greater Grants Pass Rotary, along with the Grants Pass Balloon
and Kite Festival, bring back a show that hasn't been seen since 2008. This year, on
June 2nd, several excited hot air balloon pilots and the Grants Pass Rotary launched
the first of a new series of annual balloon and kite events to be held in Grants Pass.
This year, the community celebrated a family fun, three-day weekend of entertainment amongst
brightly decorated hot air balloons and giant kites. Activities included children's rides,
games, kite making stations, morning balloon flights, tethered balloon rides, and balloon
night glows. The festival also included a 10,000-square-foot American flag kite owned
by David Gomberg. The first time flown in Oregon, the American mega flag has been certified
by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest kite in the world. Other features
included a concert by Soundstage Review. Soundstage Review has been voted best performance
in the annual Back to the 50s concert held in Grants Pass.
The
band has performed at Riverside Park for four consecutive years since 2012. Presented by
Josephine County Chamber of Commerce and Grants Pass, this year's Concerts in the Park
Back to the 50s series will celebrate the band's fifth appearance on Tuesday, July 25th. While
the event can be fun, it also includes tons of work and some late night and early morning
work hours. This year, the first launch was held at Redwood Elementary School and with
another launch at South Middle School. June 4th, because till its final date, several
pilots attempted to launch their balloons for a final flight at Parkside Elementary. Unfortunately,
due to unstable weather, the launch was canceled. None of the less, the visitors didn't leave
totally disappointed as the pilots demonstrated the stages of pre-flight with cold air and
hot air inflation. After the balloon is filled with air, the propane burners are lit and
the balloon rises into a vertical position in about 10 to 15 seconds. The morning's event
also gave some volunteers a basic lesson on assembly and territory. Those who volunteered
at the festival got a chance to be included in a raffle for a free balloon flight. This
year's festival was hosted by Fort Vanoy Farms on a 250-acre cornfield known as the
River Boat Reserve. Thanks to the event sponsors, the festival was free to attend with only
a $5 parking fee, with all proceeds going to the Roadways Foundation. The Grant's Pass
balloon and Kite Festival mission is to bring residents and visitors together for a spectacular
day of fun and community building. But their ultimate goal is to support kids and families
at risk throughout the Grant's Pass community. The balloons and kites will be returning next
year for more family fun with the second annual Grant's Pass balloon and kite festival.
