“The Voice of BalloonFest” – Rusty Cates Reflects on 30 Years of Ashland’s Most Colorful Tradition
ASHLAND, OHIO – For thousands who flock to Freer Field each summer, the voice that booms across the launch field during Ashland BalloonFest is as familiar as the colorful hot air balloons themselves. That voice belongs to Rusty Cates — a local broadcaster who, for three decades, has narrated the sights, sounds, and soaring stories of the annual event.
But Cates wasn’t always center stage. In fact, he completely missed the festival’s first two years.
“In year three of the Balloon Festival, the radio station asked us to volunteer for shifts,” Cates recalled. “I honestly didn’t even know what was going on at the time, but I signed up for a Saturday night slot — and I had an absolute blast.”
That one-time gig turned into a calling. The next year, a professional announcer was brought in, but the high cost and out-of-town accommodations became a challenge.
“John Sidle, one of the founders, said, ‘Hey, you filled in before and did a good job — would you be the full-time guy?’” Cates said. “I was local, affordable, and thrilled to do it. And I’ve been here nearly every year since.”
Aside from two years away traveling with his barbershop quartet — another long-time passion — Cates has been the voice of Ashland BalloonFest ever since. Now in his 30th year, he remains a cornerstone of the experience.
One of Cates’ fondest memories? A glowing finale unlike any other.
“We always gear up for Balloon Glow. It’s more than just balloons lighting up — it’s about syncing them with the music,” he said. “One year I pitched ‘Dueling Banjos’ as a finale. The left side of the field fired their burners on cue with the first banjo riff, then the right side answered back. It was like a glowing musical duel. The crowd absolutely loved it. It was perfect.”
Cates’ voice and presence have become synonymous with BalloonFest, but his journey into broadcasting goes back even further.
“I spent 37 years at WMAN, which later became iHeart,” he said. “I worked across a few stations, like Y105 and Cruisin’. I’m retired now, but announcing BalloonFest is something I’ve continued because it means a lot to me — and to the community.”
That connection to the festival isn’t just from the ground. Over the years, Cates has taken to the skies in a hot air balloon six times.
“My first ride was early on, during the media flights,” he said. “Then I got to know a few pilots, and they’d invite me back. I even flew with John Sidle— one of the visionaries of this event. He’s no longer with us, and I think about him a lot during BalloonFest.”
Asked how he’d describe the experience of floating above Ashland, Cates didn’t hesitate.
“It’s peaceful. Serene,” he said. “The second you lift off, the world changes. You don’t realize how much noise the wind makes in your ears until it’s gone. In the balloon, you are the wind — it’s completely silent except for the occasional roar of the burner. It’s like time pauses.”
Of course, there’s always a moment of suspense as the balloon approaches landing.
“Everyone thinks it: ‘Are we going to clear that tree? That power line?’ But these pilots are incredibly trained. They maneuver with such skill,” he added.
As for how much longer Rusty plans to be the voice of Ashland’s most iconic festival, he keeps it simple.
“I take each year as a blessing,” he said. “If this is my last one, that’s okay. But I sure hope I get to keep doing it for the rest of my life.”
With voices like his guiding the tradition, Ashland’s BalloonFest remains more than an event — it’s a story that soars, told by someone who’s been part of it for 30 unforgettable years.
