Hot air balloons to fill Joplin skies during massive Route 66 centennial festival
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Hot air balloons, helicopter rides and dozens of food vendors are set to headline one of Joplin's biggest events of the year as the Centennial Route 66 Balloon Festival arrives Aug. 28-30.
The festival, presented through a partnership between Missouri Southern State University and Visit Joplin, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with three days of family-friendly activities.
Organizers say more than a dozen hot air balloons will take part in the festival, along with tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides, a kite show, live music, a marketplace featuring vendors, and more than 70 food trucks and vendors.
Gates at Missouri Southern will open at 7 a.m. each day, with activities continuing until 10 p.m.
Visitors can also reserve full hot air balloon flights in advance, while tethered rides will be available during the festival, weather permitting.
General admission tickets start at $17 for adults and $12 for children for a single day. Three-day passes are available for $35 for adults and $25 for children. VIP packages, which include meals and other amenities, are also available.
Organizers note the event will be held rain or shine, with weather conditions determining when balloons are able to fly safely.
