The Old West Balloon Fest Committee, the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau and the Gering Visitors Bureau announce the sixth annual “Downtown Decorating Contest” to commemorate Old West Balloon Fest.
This is a special year of Old West Balloon Fest as the committee celebrates the 10-year Anniversary of the celebration. We decided to open the competition to more than just windows. This year we invite participants to use their windows, flower boxes, parking lots, roof tops and canopies to spread the excitement of the 10th year.
Use your imaginations! Participation in the contest is completely free; with a broad-based theme of hot air balloons and ballooning! Simply pick your favorite hot air ballooning motif and tailor your display as a tribute to the 2024 Old West Balloon Fest events. There will be three juried categories: First: Best “Use of color”, Second: Best “Host Community Themed” (representing the host cities of Gering, Scottsbluff, Mitchell, Morrill or Terrytown) and Three: Best “Creative” display. Your businesses must be decorated anytime between now and the start of Old West Balloon Fest 2024. All Businesses participating in the decorating contest are asked to:
· Register their business by sending an email to: or calling (308) 633-1808
· Have your business decorated by Thursday evening, August 1, 2024.
· The jury committee will view and judge the displays on Saturday, August 3rd.
· Winners will be notified; and contest results announced to media outlets Monday, August 5 to kick off Old West Balloon Fest 2024. Ribbons will be awarded to winners in all three (categories). The Gering Merchants Association, Scottsbluff Downtown Business District and the Mitchell and Morrill Business Districts are asked to lead the way with their members to encourage participation in the decorating competition to welcome pilots, crews, visitors and hot air balloon enthusiasts visiting our communities August 8-10 for Old West Balloon Fest 2024.
