Colorful hot air balloons are once again taking flight over Crawford County as the annual Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Meadville for Father’s Day weekend.
The free festival, one of the region’s most popular summer traditions, is back with a full schedule of balloon launches, competitions, and family-friendly activities. Organizers say this year’s event promises to be bigger than ever.
One of the festival’s signature attractions, the Joyce Stevens Memorial Night Glow, is scheduled for Friday evening beginning at 5 p.m. The event allows visitors to see dozens of illuminated hot air balloons glowing against the night sky.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy evening balloon launches on both Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. Competitive fly-ins are set to begin at 6 a.m. on both weekend days, giving early risers a chance to watch pilots navigate the skies and test their skills.
The Thurston Classic has become a Father’s Day weekend tradition in northwestern Pennsylvania, drawing spectators from across the region to experience the sights and sounds of hot air ballooning.
Organizers encourage visitors to arrive early and check weather conditions, as balloon activities are dependent on favorable flying conditions.
