Plano Balloon Festival // photo Jennifer ShertzerOrganizers of the Plano Balloon Festival announced on Aug. 17 that the event scheduled for Sept. 17-19 has been canceled. However, the scheduled 10K, 5K, 1K and elevate challenge remain on for Sept. 19.
“With the continued increase in COVID cases, specifically the Delta Variant, the Festival board and staff has considered the health and safety of our Festival pilots, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors our top priority,” festival organizers said in a release announcing the decision. “In making this difficult decision we are mindful of the extremely large number of families that attend the event, the majority of which have children under 12 years of age.”
They went on to say that while it was not an easy decision, they believe it was the right one to make. Their attention will now turn to hosting a festival in 2022.
This is the second consecutive year that the Plano Balloon Festival has been canceled due to COVID concerns. The event, which celebrated its 40th year in 2019, has grown to attract upwards of 90,000 people. Over the years it has raised more than $3 million for local nonprofits.
