‘One more strike against us’: Middletown hot air balloon event cancellation latest to take away a summer event

After weeks of discussion among committee members, pilots, medical professionals and vendors, organizers of the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival said there was “too much risk in the equation.”

So the 2020 Ohio Challenge, scheduled for July 17-18 at Smith Park, has been cancelled due to health concerns associated with the coronavirus, said David Pearce, an event executive committee member.

He said COVID-19 will “still be around” in July, and the committee was concerned about the health of the spectators, pilots, vendors and volunteers. He said financially, there was no way the committee could provide a safe environment during the Ohio Challenge that typically attracts 20,000 to 30,000 visitors for the two-day event and pumps $1.5 million into the local economy.

For instance, he said about 50 percent of the spectators park at Hook Field and ride buses into the park. It would be impossible to police social distancing on the buses and the buses would need to be thoroughly cleaned after every trip.

“We’re really disappointed,” Pearce said. “I’d be surprised if there are any summer activities this summer.”

Also, he said, now is not the “right time” to ask small businesses for financial support. He said 40 percent of the revenue for the Ohio Challenge last year was generated through the 49 corporate sponsors and nine corporate booth sponsors. Instead of worrying about sponsorship, he said owners should be concerned about the health of their businesses.

“It wouldn’t be fair to ask for money,” Pearce said.

Heather Gibson, owner of Triple Moon Coffee Co. in downtown Middletown, agreed. She has been closed for weeks and plans to open her drive-through for drinks only on Monday. Eventually, she hopes to open the inside and offer drinks and sandwiches.

Gibson said she was disappointed the Ohio Challenge was cancelled because it provided another local entertainment option and generated revenue for her business that was a popular spot for pilots. While she understands the decision, she realizes it will be “another nail in the coffin” for the local economy.

“One more strike against us trying to come back as a city and a community,” said Gibson, who opened the coffee shop five years ago. “We’re all in the same boat rowing down the same river.”

Without the added revenue from the Ohio Challenge, Gibson said she may have to delay purchasing equipment for her business. Right now, she said, she’s “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

Balloonist Sean Askren, who has been flying for 43 years and competed in the first 18 Ohio Challenges, said he was disappointed, but he agreed with the decision.

“It’s a safety thing for everyone involved,” he said.

He said Middletown has joined other national ballooning events that either have been postponed or cancelled. Askren said he was scheduled to fly in 16 events this year, and only ones in New Mexico and North Carolina, scheduled for October, haven’t been postponed or cancelled.

Askren has talked to other local pilots and they’re hoping to fly this summer around Middletown. Like during Light Up Middletown, the pilots may do a drive-through balloon glow at Smith Park, he said.

Next year’s Ohio Challenge is set for July 16-17, 2021.

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