The 30th Anniversary of the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship is in the history books. Explore Harrison Executive Director Matt Bell said, “Thanks to the help of the city’s software, we determined that 9,000 people attended the two-day event and 53% were from out of town.”
Saturday morning was the first opportunity for the balloons to compete for the $30,000 prize. Bell laughed and said, “Thankfully, nobody won. But they sure got close.”
Pilot Cory Bloom is ranked No. 5 in the nation and got within 10 yards of winning. Bell said, “He hit the target right on the spot, but did not get the ring at the top of the pole for the $30,000.”
Sunday morning, the pilots had one last opportunity to compete. Bell said, “Bloom was within five yards of the pole. The reigning champion, Al Muir, was within ten feet of the pole. He almost won it again. If he had, it would have been the second time in 30 years anyone made it to that pole.”
Bell said he really appreciated the help of the Bergman Key Club and the Alpena Completers in setting up the event. “They’ve been very faithful to help yearly, and we are grateful. They arrive at 10 a.m. on Friday, and the gates are ready to open at 4 p.m.”
Friday morning, six balloons flew over the Harrison Middle School, so parents and students could see them in the air. “That was a great media event for us. There were no safety issues with balloons or vehicles; everyone seemed to enjoy seeing them in the sky,” Bell said.
The Friday night balloon glow is always a great time for people to take photos of the colorful balloons.
Ten balloons provided tethered rides on Saturday night, which was a huge success. Thanks to the assistance of the Bergman High School Tennis Team and the Bergman High School Key Club, there was no waiting.
“We had 130 volunteers who helped with the balloon crew. Each balloon needs three to five volunteers to help with a balloon pilot,” he said.
“I want to thank all of our volunteers. This event could not be accomplished without the community’s assistance. The City’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation helped with logistics and set out 70 cones, 12 barrels, and 30 trash receptacles.”
“Our food and general merchandise vendors said it was a great year for them. We were not able to do helicopter rides this year. We had so many balloons that there was no place for the helicopter to take off and land.”
The petting zoo and the Boy Scout Troop 60 kids’ zone on Friday and Saturday were big attractions.
Before the event, 35 balloons were scheduled, with five on a waiting list. However, different circumstances prevented some from coming. Only 26 made the trip to Harrison, and 25 took flight. One pilot realized his envelope was damaged during the travel to Harrison, and he could not fly. Another broke his foot while preparing to come.
Despite the pilots’ adversities, the community enjoyed a great experience, and many pilots have already committed to returning next year. Pilots came from seven states: Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Indiana, Alabama, and Arkansas.
Save the date for next year’s Balloon Festival. It will be September 11-13. 2026.