Balloon Fest set for weekend as other holiday events nixed

Balloon Fest set for weekend as other holiday events nixed

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Everything Fourth of July related in Madison and Ridgeland has been cancelled. But if you’re still looking for something to do, despite everything being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canton has you covered with the 35th Annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest.  

“On the evening of July 3, all the stores will be open, and our hot-air balloon pilots will be out on the street for a meet-and-greet,” said Jana Dear, executive director of Canton tourism. “We’ve had to eliminate the bands and food trucks that have appeared in years past, so we’re encouraging people to stop at our local restaurants, get food to go, and have a nice picnic on the square.” 

Dear said that in addition, another event will be held on the evening on July 4 as well. Due to CDC guidelines, however, things have to be a little different. 

“On Saturday night, we will be partnered with our local radio station, WMTO 1370 AM, and they will play patriotic music during our fireworks show,” she said. “You can sit in your cars, watch the balloons, and then at 9:00, tune into the radio station and watch the fireworks.” 

Dear said even though things have to drastically change to follow the CDC guidelines, the City of Canton is doing everything they can give the community something to do in celebration of July 4. 

“We’re also placing a ‘Patriotic Rock’ in one of the stores. Whoever finds it will get a big bag of door prizes. There will be plenty of fun stuff to get people out shopping and walking.” 

On the other end of the spectrum, popular annual events like the Balloon Glow in Ridgeland and 4th of July Family Fireworks Show in Madison have been cancelled. 

“With COVID-19, everyone’s been affected, from Major League Baseball all the way down to our parks and events,” said John Sidney North, director of Ridgeland Recreation and Parks. “We’re having to adjust to different ways of doing things, as you don’t want to put anyone in harms way and risk the possibility of spreading the virus if we do have any events.” 

North feels that the best thing to do is call off these events to make sure everyone stays safe.

“We plan to bring all of it back next year and make it extra special,” he said. 

Brittney Mayfield, special events coordinator for the city of Madison, said the Fourth of July Family Fireworks Show, which was planned to be held at Liberty Park, has also been called off. 

“Everything Fourth of July related has been cancelled, but neighborhoods in the surrounding area will be having parades,” Mayfield said. “I recommend going to watch those.”  






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