Local tourism officials and advocates gathered at the Gering Civic Center Thursday for a gathering themed “The Power of Tourism.”
The luncheon focused on the Old West Balloon Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Scotts Bluff County Tourism Director Brenda Lazey told the audience that special photos taken at the inaugural event brought back fond memories of 10 years ago.
“Hundreds of people came out to a re-inflated event, and I just couldn’t believe it. And I stood in the middle of that field and just marveled at how amazing it was. And I kept thinking in my mind, what a beautiful mess. It was just unbelievable.”
Colleen Johnson thanked Lacey for his vision in helping to create the event and expressed her gratitude to tourism supporters, businesses, volunteers and the entire community as she recounted events from the national championships.
“One of my female pilots went to Walmart and she had a balloon in the back of her truck. When she got out there was a note on the windshield that said, ‘We really appreciate you coming to our community.’ She cried. She said she’s been ballooning for 30 years and she’d never experienced anything like this. I think it’s a testament to our community and what we offer.”
The 10th anniversary Old West Balloon Festival will take place Aug. 8-10 and will feature numerous events and activities, including a nighttime light at WNCC, mass ascents at Mitchell Field on the mornings of the 9th and 10th, and a second nighttime light and drone show that same Saturday night.
