Ashland BalloonFest Soars Despite Stormy Skies: A Celebration of Passion, Perseverance, and Community
ASHLAND, OHIO – Clouds may have loomed overhead, but nothing could dampen the spirit of the 2025 Ashland BalloonFest, which once again filled Freer Field with color, music, food, and sky-bound magic. Thousands of families from Ashland and surrounding counties gathered over the weekend to enjoy one of the region’s most cherished summer traditions.
This year marked a fresh chapter for the event, as newly appointed President Zach Burgess and Vice President Luke Wash led the charge—bringing both experience and fresh energy to the 35-year-old festival. And while Mother Nature didn’t always cooperate, their leadership and the dedication of a committed team of volunteers helped ensure a weekend full of unforgettable moments.
New Leadership Lifts BalloonFest Higher
Zach Burgess is no stranger to the skies. A veteran balloon pilot since 2007, Burgess took on his first year as president of the festival. “Every event comes with weather challenges,” he said. “There’s no perfect weekend. But this festival has a long-standing legacy, and our goal was to build on that with new features and a commitment to quality.”
One of the biggest additions this year was the inclusion of Great American Kites & Events out of Kansas City, Missouri. Their breathtaking kite displays wowed the crowd and added a fresh element to the air-bound festivities. Helicopter rides returned as well, providing a different kind of lift-off experience.
Burgess noted the critical importance of maintaining the event’s traditional charm while welcoming innovation. “We want to grow BalloonFest by supporting local vendors, enhancing entertainment, and keeping the spirit of Ashland at the heart of it all.”
The Man Behind the Map
Vice President Luke Wash, now in his early twenties, has been part of BalloonFest nearly his entire life. From watching balloons lift off from his backyard to now overseeing the entire field layout, Wash has worked his way up through years of volunteer service.
“This is a labor of love,” Wash said. “It takes about a year to plan, four full days to measure and mark the field, and over a 500 fence posts. But when it’s done, and you see the crowd enjoying themselves, it’s completely worth it.”
Wash is also training to become a certified balloon pilot and recently purchased his own balloon in January. “Flying in a balloon is the most peaceful and surreal experience. You’re moving with the wind, and you can hear everything on the ground—it’s magical.”
The Heart of the Operation
Behind the scenes, Liz McClurg serves as both the Sponsorship Chair and Volunteer Crew Coordinator. A pilot herself, McClurg knows the event from every angle—on the ground and in the air.
“There are about 20 people on the committee, and the planning doesn’t stop. We’ll debrief next month and begin again in August,” McClurg said. “There’s marketing, media, pilot coordination, vendor setup, VIP tents, food coordination, T-shirts, wristbands—it’s endless moving parts.”
This year, McClurg helped introduce the new Storybook Trail in collaboration with the local library, adding an educational twist for younger festival-goers. “It’s all about community. When we work together, everyone succeeds.”
Weather or Not
Despite the unpredictable weather, which limited a few balloon launches, the Balloon Glow illuminated Freer Field to cheers and applause, the kites soared, the helicopters lifted off, and the smell of food trucks filled the air.
“This festival is about more than balloons,” said Burgess. “It’s about tradition, teamwork, and bringing families together. The support from sponsors, city officials, volunteers, and the public makes it all happen.”
Looking Ahead
As the final fence posts are packed away and committee members prepare for their July debrief, the Ashland BalloonFest team is already dreaming of 2026.
“We’re not done,” said Wash with a grin. “There’s more to come. Bigger balloons, more vendors, and even better experiences.”
One thing is certain: whether it’s floating silently above the treetops or building it all from the ground up, Ashland BalloonFest is a celebration powered by passion, guided by tradition, and lifted by community.
