The 50th anniversary of the International Balloon Festival began Saturday with no COVID-19 restrictions for the first time since 2019. To some, that seems like a lifetime ago.
The 2020 event was held virtually. Fortunately, the 50th anniversary, which has been in the planning for three years, will take place without restrictions.
"We don't have anything over our heads,” Balloon Fiesta spokesperson, Tom Garrity told KOAT. “So that's, that's really a good thing.”
The Music Fiesta and the Balloon Discovery Center will also return after being canceled in previous years..
“We're so excited about that," Garrity said.
Despite the absence of COVID restrictions, hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the park, and masks will be provided at every entrance for those who would feel more comfortable wearing them.
"We always want to make sure that our guests feel comfortable and that we are complying with any state regulations that there might be," Garrity said.
The International Balloon Festival runs through Oct. 9.