Hot air balloons are back for the Harmony Jubilee

Published 8:00 am Friday, August 10, 2018

FITZGERALD — The Hyggelig, a six-story tall hot air balloon, will land early this year in Fitzgerald for the annual Harmony Jubilee festival.

Piloted by balloonists Katrina and Dale Pattyn the balloon will fly high over the City Aug. 10 and 11. It, and many others, are available to ride both tethered and untethered.

The Harmony Jubilee is a two-day festival. On Friday, August 10, the morning starts with a hot air balloon demonstration at local schools, that night several balloonists will line up their aircraft along the edge of the lake at Paulk Park for a the balloon glow. The balloonists carefully synchronize igniting their burners to create a spectacular light show. The balloon glow is a free event and attendants are welcome to bring a picnic blanket. Quaint string lights will guide the way to the expansive meadow to lounge in.

Both sides of the park will be open, so attendants can see the balloons reflect on the lake’s surface.

Saturday, Aug. 11, is jam packed with events from morning until night. The balloonists start the day with a sunrise flight. Then the Dorminy Medical Center Foundation kicks off their “Pedaling for a Purpose” bike ride. This year they have charted three courses: the metric century, a 62-mile ride, a 30-mile ride and a 7- mile ride.

At 9 a.m. the Fitzgerald Ben Hill Junior Board of Directors will host its five kilometer color run, immediately following will be a one mile fun run. The Junior Board has several color and water stations set up along the five mile route, ensuring every runner will get a chance to run through the rainbow.

Starting at 10 a.m. the Artisan Market opens at Paulk Park where local creators will have uniquehandmade items for purchase. The kid zone is back with bouncy houses, rock climbing and more.

There will also be cooling stations with air conditioning to keep attendants cool.

The stage at the park will host young musicians throughout the day. Madison Carver, and bands Pronto and Off 129, will share their musical talent. At lunch, Selah Dance Group will showcase their latest routines.

A pet fashion show is also planned, which will benefit the Fitzgerald Humane Society.

Food vendors, with classic fair foods and cool treats, will be at the market all day. Arts council members get a dollar off and every person that brings in a canned food item for the Christian Kitchen gets a dollar off of their entry fee. Children 12 and under get in free. The market closes at 5 p.m.

Saturday night, the Grand Theatre will be rocking with a performance by Titans of Rock, a Journey and Bon Jovi tribute band.

Sign up for balloon rides, find concert tickets, registration forms and get a copy of the full schedule at www.harmonyjubilee.com.