Jamesville, NY - The Jamesville Balloon Festival has been canceled again this year, and its future is uncertain, according to festival organizers.
This would have been the festival’s 42nd year. At one point, the annual festival has drawn 15,000-20,000 people over three days.
The outdoor event is typically held in mid-June at the county-owned Jamesville Park Beach. In the past, it’s attracted at least 20 hot air balloons and has featured food, live music and other entertainment.
The event was canceled last June due mainly to Covid and the uncertainty at the time over New York state rules on events and gatherings, Grazi Zazzara, who organizes the festival, said at the time.
This year, it’s not Covid, Zazzara said. It’s a lack of balloonists, who are reluctant to spend the money and time to travel here and then have rain possibly put a damper on the event.
“It’s become more and more expensive for them to come, and it’s not cost-effective for them,’' he said. “Balloonists are going to the larger festivals, and the smaller ones are going by the wayside.”
Zazzara said the number of balloonists had already dwindled from 22 to 12 in past years.
Does that mean the Jamesville Balloon Festival is a thing of the past for good?
Zazzara said no - it’s still up in the air for the future.
“It’s on my agenda,’' he said.
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
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