Ocean City's upcoming hot air balloon canceled amid growing concerns, finds new location
UPDATE: According to OceanCity.com, Ocean City's Hot Air Balloon Festival has been canceled for the resort, but will be relocated to its roots at Triple Creek Winery in Cordova, Maryland.
Ocean City's upcoming hot air balloon festival has been canceled.
Mayor Rick Meehan and Town Council members voted March 6 to approve the planned hot air balloon festival. The festival, formerly known as the Chesapeake Balloon Festival in Easton, was aiming to take place during the last weekend in August, from the 25-27, according to Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development.
Tickets are still on sale for the festival. However, Ocean City Tourism updated a recent Facebook post regarding the event, stating that it had been canceled.
"For any inquires about the Ocean City Balloon Festival, kindly reach out to the event organizer," the post stated.
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Recently, law enforcement and emergency personnel — including the Maryland State Police and Maryland State Highway Administration — expressed their concerns about the large-scale festival, such as the organizers' lack of success in obtaining the necessary permits to put on the event.
The festival was expected to be held at Elevate Fields at Seaside Christian Academy in West Ocean City. According to Mayor Rick Meehan, it could not be held in Ocean City due to the constant high winds and close proximity to the ocean.
According to OceanCity.com, Ocean City's Hot Air Balloon Festival has been canceled for the resort, but will be relocated to its roots at Triple Creek Winery in Cordova, Maryland.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City's upcoming hot air balloon has been canceled. All to know.
