Carolina BalloonFest brings joy and community impact to Statesville
For Sam Parks, executive director of Carolina BalloonFest, the annual festival is about more than colorful hot air balloons filling the sky. It is an opportunity to share his passion for ballooning, bring families together and give back to the Statesville community.
Parks first became involved with the event in 1985 as a volunteer chase team member when it was known as the Carolina Balloon Rally. He eventually took charge of the chase team and later oversaw flight operations until 2018. After returning in 2024, he stepped into the executive director role.
This year, attendees can expect approximately 57 balloons, including 55 participating in flights and two offering tethered rides. Special-shaped balloons arriving from England will add an international touch, while remote-controlled miniature balloons will provide another attraction.
Beyond the balloons, the festival will feature live music, food and craft vendors, a kids zone, disc dog performances and live sand sculpting. Drone shows featuring approximately 300 drones are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m. Check out the 2026 festival schedule here.
One of Parks’ favorite attractions is the Balloon Glow, scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings around sunset. During the event, balloon pilots use special burners to illuminate the balloons against the night sky.
“It is just magic,” Parks said.
The festival also makes a significant economic contribution to the region. An economic impact study conducted last year found that the event generated approximately $4.1 million in direct and indirect economic activity for the community. Over the past decade, the festival has also donated more than $1 million to local charitable organizations.
Carolina BalloonFest typically welcomes approximately 40,000 visitors over the weekend, drawing attendees from across the country.
For Parks, the most rewarding part is seeing children’s faces light up and watching families enjoy the experience together.
“I think that they would experience joy,” he said. “Joy experienced with families and friends, we need more of that.”
Parks also credited the festival’s more than 600 volunteers and its sponsors for making the event possible, emphasizing the community support behind one of Statesville’s signature annual attractions.
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