Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Quechee hot air balloon festival rescheduled

Hartford Area Chamber postpones Father’s Day weekend event to Labor Day weekend 2021 due to Covid-19

QUECHEE—Despite encouraging signs of the pandemic coming under control as vaccinations increase, the timing of large outdoor events remains in doubt.  To ensure a safe and successful festival, the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC) has announced the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England, is rescheduling its June 18-20 event to the weekend of Sept. 3-5.

“After receiving the latest guidance from the State, we feel it is in the best interest, health and safety of the community, our volunteers and sponsors and all who have come to enjoy this event, that we reschedule the Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival until September due to the Covid-19 virus,” said P.J. Skehan, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC).

The annual event draws thousands to central Vermont for its annual Father’s Day weekend gathering where more than 20 balloonists headline a regular schedule of five flights slated throughout the weekend with additional tethered rides during the day. Entertainers, musicians, artists and food vendors, are also on site to serve the annual celebration.

According to Skehan, a number of balloonists, entertainers and vendors have committed to participating at the September date.

“We respect the guidelines set forth by the Governor as well as the health care professionals” added Skehan. “It’s disappointing to reschedule but just as our community, sponsors, volunteers and town officials come together each year to make this a benchmark event, we must rally to work through these uncertain times. It’s challenging moments like these that epitomize what we can endure and achieve when our community comes together.”

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