The ‘Power of Tourism’ was the theme Thursday as local tourism officials and supporters gathered at the Gering Civic Center.
The luncheon included a focus on the Old West Balloon Fest, which is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year. Scotts Bluff County Tourism Director Brenda Leisy told the crowd one special picture from the inaugural event takes her back a decade with fond memories.
“Hundreds of people gathered for the reinflated event and it was unbelievable to me. And I just stood in the middle of that field in utter amazement at just how incredible this was. And I just kept thinking to myself what a beautiful mess, and it was just unbelievable.”
Colleen Johnson thanked Leisy for her vision helping the event get off the ground, and recounted a story from the National Championships as she thanked tourism supporters, businesses, volunteers and the community at large.
“One of my female pilots went to Wal Mart, and she had her balloon in the back of the truck and she came out and found a note on her windshield that said, ‘We really appreciate you coming to our community.’ And it made her cry. She said in 30 years of ballooning she’s never experienced anything like that. And I think that’s a testament to our community and what we offer.”
The 10th anniversary Old West Balloon Fest is August 8 through 10 with a large number of events and activities, including the night glow at WNCC, and at the Mitchell Air Field, mass ascensions the morning of the 9th and 10th with a second night glow and drone show that Saturday evening at the same location.
