Balloon A-Fair

By: BHS Features Staff

September 18, 2024

Get ready for the 45th Anniversary of the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair. From September 19-22, Ravenna (Ohio) is having a hot air balloon fair with various activities to do in Downtown Ravenna and at the Sunbeau Valley Farm. 

The admission fee for Sunbeau Valley Farm is $5 with a parking fee of $5. Kids 12 and under get in for free.

This festival started with individuals who wanted Ravenna to celebrate one of the city’s earliest industries, the toy balloons manufactured at the Oak Rubber Company. From the first celebration being small, it has bloomed as an annual, exciting, and well-attended event with something to do for all ages.

This year’s theme is “Make Your Dreams Soar in 2024”. This theme was chosen by a lucky schoolgirl named Madison Trautman. Because her theme was selected, she gets to take part in the children’s parade and the Saturday morning parade. What an honor for her!

The children’s parade is an exciting time for the children because they get to dress up, make floats, decorate their bikes, get goodie bags and prizes, and see a magic show. They also get to be a part of the opening ceremonies.

Also, there is a car and Jeep show every year. On Sunday, September 22, bring your cars, trucks, hot-rods, lowriders, classics, or whatever your passion for cars is, and show it off. For Jeep lovers, you can bring your ride on Saturday, September 21, with a chance to win a trophy in several categories. There will also be raffles to win Jeep-related prizes. 

This year at the fair, as many others before, there will be an abundance of fun activities to participate in such as Mechanical Bull Riding, Axe Throwing, Helicopter Rides, Miniature Golf, and many others. All of these attractions are fun for anyone of any age, and most of these activities are under $10.

There is also music at the fair. There are two stages in which seven bands will be performing. The East Stage will have four bands playing, and the West Stage will have three. The music will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:25 p.m.

During the evening on the final day of the Balloon A-Fair, hot air balloons will take off into the night.

The Ravenna Balloon A-Fair is held every year, rain or shine. No matter the condition, the fair is here to bring fun and enjoyment to all. 

Get your family and friends and come along to celebrate. We are going to be floating our way out there, and you should join us, too.

{Information can be sourced from Cleveland Bucket List and Ravenna Balloon A-Fair.}