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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD Big Y's seventieth anniversary celebration, balloon & musical festival ; a salute to America took place from June 9 to the 11 at the Eastern States Exposition Center. It was the first year for this event and the idea originated with Greg Chiecko of the Eastern States Exposition and Howard Freeman of Promo One, a group that produces balloon festivals throughout the United States. The event included numerous hot air balloons that ascended throughout the three days of the event in the morning and the evening. The price for taking a hot air balloon ride was $185-$195 and for the tethered rides the cost was $15. "There was an Energizer bunny balloon that was here yesterday that was 165 feet tall, that is 16 stories," said Gary Weed, of the Going My Way balloon team. Entertainment also included Grand Funk Railroad on Friday, The Commodores on Saturday and Phil Vassar on Sunday. Ronald McDonald was there giving continuous shows and talking to children about, "going outside and moving their bodies this summer." Kachunga & the Alligator Show were on hand and visitors were able to hold a baby alligator. An elephant was also at the event as well as a petting zoo and camel. There were numerous children's rides that ranged in prices from a dollar to two and in dizziness from low to very dizzy. Numerous food vendors were available throughout the event selling everything from candy apples to calamari. The climax of the event was the balloon launchings. The final launch occurred on Sunday around 7 p.m. and was much anticipated after its delay due to windy conditions. Team ReMax, however, was able to get the balloon into the air and a crowd looked on as the driver of the balloon shouted, "We're off to Oz to see the wizard." The Eastern States Exposition is currently in the process of reviewing the operations and assessing the potential for hosting this event next year. |