In the early 1970's Warren County’s tourism and publicity office was looking for an idea for an event which would bring visitors to the region after Labor Day. At that time, there were relatively few hot air balloons in the nation. One such balloonist, John Marsden from Manchester, VT shared photos of his balloon with some visionary Glens Falls residents, including Walter Grishkot, and the Adirondack Balloon Festival was born shortly thereafter.
This year's Adirondack Balloon Festival launches today and runs through this weekend. We learn more about it from Mark Donahue, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the festival.