NSBNEWS.net video by Jeanette DiCara.
Some 20,000 people flocked to the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport over the weekend for the three-day Seaside Balloon Fest, which began Friday night with two dozen hot air balloons on display, as well as airplane and helicopter rides, plus live music, food and refreshments.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH --Balloons bring out the child in all of us. Just ask 55-year-old Arlen Stauffer.
NSBNEWS.net photos by Jeanette DiCara.
Balloons of various colors were on display as shown at left. Below, a litle boy enjoys a balloon slide.
"It's one of those little kid things we never outgrow," said Stouffer, chairman of the Seaside Balloon Fest that drew more than 20,000 spectators over the weekend, beginning Friday night, at the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport. "It's such a unique activity."
With two dozen large hot air balloons of diverse colors, plus helicopter and vintage airplane rides, bungee jumping, food, refreshments and live music entertainment, there was seemingly something for everyone.
This was the second annual event, after last year's inaugural showcase with a dozen balloons drew 10,000 people over a two-day period.
Stauffer said the event's success is due to the volunteer efforts of two dozen volunteers, including former Mayor Sally Mackay, who led the initial fest. She could not be reached for comment.
The event was sponsored by the city of New Smyrna Beach and the Friends of the New Smyrna Beach Airport.
At Tuesday's City Commission meeting, Commissioners Jim Hathaway and Judy Reiker marveled at the beauty of the event, as did Mayor Adam Barringer, who shot his own video and posted it on YouTube.