Featured Destination Story
Carolina Balloon Fest
The Carolina Balloon Fest, held annually near Troutman, is a hot balloon festival founded by Don Edwards. A local pilot and aviation enthusiast, Edwards had a vision of creating an event that would celebrate the beauty and wonder of hot air ballooning while bringing together the community.
In its early years, the festival was a small gathering of balloon enthusiasts, with only a handful of balloons participating. It took place at a local airport and primarily attracted spectators from the immediate area. Over time, the event gained popularity and expanded, drawing attention from a broader audience.
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