The familiar and the new coming to 2023 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair. What you need to know
Ravenna Balloon A-Fair is returning for its 44th year, but it still has some surprises in store.
"People who are used to going to Sunbeau [Valley Farm] will be surprised this year, how many new things there are," said Mark Stahl, a Balloon A-Fair trustee.
The festivities run from Thursday through Sunday, with events at the farm and in downtown Ravenna.
Go to hwww.ravennaballoonafair.com for more information about the 2023 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair.
Here's a look at what's scheduled each day.
Thursday: Children's Parade in downtown Ravenna
Balloon A-Fair kicks off with the Children's Parade, sponsored by Ravenna McDonald's, on Main Street in downtown Ravenna at 6:30 p.m.
Registration begins at the corner of Prospect and Spruce streets at 5:30 p.m. Each child signing up for the Children's Parade will receive a goody bag.
The mini marshal will be Maddox Patterson. This year's Children's Parade theme is "Nothing But Blue Skies and Ravens Flying High."
Friday: Balloon Glow, live music, food and activities
Gates open at Sunbeau Valley Farm, entrance at 3248 Brady Lake Road, at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The non-refundable entrance fee at the farm is $5 per person per day, with children 12 and younger accompanied by a paid adult admitted free.
Balloon Glow, during which the balloons will be lighted up, takes place at dusk.
"Last year was the first time we did it. I'm telling you, it was quite a show, was very beautiful," said Stahl.
Live music will be provided by Overboard: The Love Boat Band from 6 to 10 p.m.
The evening will also include DJ by Brian Wolfe of Wolfe Rock Radio, helicopter rides, inflatables, a mechanical bull, axe throwing, pony rides, trackless train rides, food, vendors, beer and wine vendors and craft booths.
Saturday: Grand Parade, Downtown Festival, balloon launch, Jeep Show, entertainment and fireworks
The Grand Parade, sponsored by 7/17 Credit Union and judged by All American Judges, begins on Main Street at 9 a.m. Lineup begins at 7 a.m.
"The Grand Parade is really going to be a cool parade this year," said Stahl. "A lot of new things that have not been in the parade before. I hate to give some of it away, but it's going to be a nice parade. It's been getting better every year for quite a while."
This year's grand marshal is local businessman and civic leader Terry Montz.
"He is a friend and supporter of Ravenna. He does so much," said Stahl. "He gives so much time and money to this community and he was like the perfect grand marshal. He really needed to be recognized for everything he has done or does."
The 2023 Grand Parade theme is "Soaring High In The Sky With Ravenna Pride."
The Downtown Festival runs until 5:30 p.m., with the opening ceremony and parade awards on the Courthouse lawn at 11 a.m.
The festival includes a variety of live entertainment on the east and west stages and the children's stage, and demonstrations; crafts, displays and food booths; and Children's Alley — featuring games, activities, and vendor booths.
"Something new that we started last year is North Chestnut Street is called Motor Alley and we bring in different kinds of vehicles of interest," said Stahl. "Not vintage cars, but just interesting wheeled vehicles."
Examples expected this year are a "Smokey and the Bandit" Firebird Trans-Am, a "Jurassic Park" Jeep, an Ohio State Highway Patrol vehicle, a K.I.T.T. car from the 1980s television show "Knight Rider," an Air Force trailer with interactive displays and a trailer with 9-11 memorabilia.
Gates open at Sunbeau at 3 p.m. The hot air balloon launch will occur sometime between 5 and 7 p.m., weather depending, followed by static displays.
"What we do now, we send half of the balloons we have out, but half stay on the ground inflated and people can come onto the field and visit with the pilots and get close up looks at everything," said Stahl. "Last year, that was so well received."
There will also be the Jeep Show, including Car Crush at 4 p.m. Go to www.ravennaballoonafairjeepshow.com for more information.
The fireworks show begins in the "vicinity of dark," said Stahl.
Entertainment will be provided by Brian Wolfe: Wolfe Rock Radio from 4 to 11 p.m., DB Band from 4 to 6 p.m. and Bluewater Kings Band from 7 to 10 p.m.
Sunday: Car show, balloon launch, entertainment and more
Sunbeau gates open at 11 a.m.
The car show, sponsored by Advanced Custom Sound, begins at 3 p.m. Registration starts at 1 p.m.
Balloon launch and static display will be in the late afternoon, early evening, weather permitting.
There will be a variety of entertainment during the day, including DJ James Carder from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Disco Inferno from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Many of the other attractions at Sunbeau Valley Farm on Friday are also expected on Saturday and Sunday, with the addition of face painting.
Stahl said Balloon A-Fair's nine member board of trustees gets help from more than 30 volunteers, as well as lots of community support.
"We are so pleased with how well our community supports us," Stahl said. "When you have people that step up and without even being asked and say what can I do? How can I support Balloon A-Fair? I mean, we're just thrilled with that."
More: Business owner and civic leader Terry Montz named grand marshal of Ravenna Balloon A-Fair
Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: 2023 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair starts Thursday. What you need to know
