By Ryan Duey
There are thrilling additions to SkyFest Marysville, now a two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14. Saturday’s activities will be held at Lakeview Sports Complex, 502 20th Street, while Sunday’s will be at the Marysville Municipal Airport, 2500 North Street.
The event blends mesmerizing performances, spectacular displays, and engaging activities.
This year’s festival introduces fire performers, adding a dazzling new element to Saturday’s festivities. They will light up the night with their captivating performances immediately following the hot air balloon glow, around 9:30 p.m.
Fire performers manipulate fire, using tools such as fire poi, staffs, and hoops to create stunning visual displays. Their performances combine elements of dance, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics.
Following the fire performances, attendees will be treated to the largest fireworks display in northeast Kansas, ensuring that the night ends with a bang. This spectacle will light up the sky, providing a fitting finale to an extraordinary evening.
The excitement continues Sunday morning at the Marysville Municipal Airport. From 5:45 to 9:30 a.m., the Marysville Kiwanis Club will serve breakfast, giving early risers a perfect start to the day.
The menu includes biscuits and gravy, sausage, rolls, breakfast casseroles, coffee and orange juice. A freewill donation will be accepted to benefit the club’s annual scholars’ banquet and other youth activities.
At 6 a.m., five hot air balloons will take off into the morning sky.
“Everyone is invited to witness the exhilarating spectacle of hot air balloons taking off at dawn,” said Chris Sabia, the owner of Kansas City AeroSports, the company hired to do the hot air balloon glow and lift. “It’s a sight that combines the beauty of the morning sky with the vibrant colors of the ascending balloons. The thrill of the lift is a unique experience – you get to watch the balloons gracefully rise and float.”
People have the opportunity to enter a contest for a chance to win a balloon ride for two, with proceeds going toward funding the fireworks display. Three hot air balloon rides will be offered.
Tickets are one for $10 or three for $20. They may be purchased at marysvillecms.com or in person at the Marysville Chamber and Main Street office, 617 Broadway, weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tickets must be purchased by July 8.
The morning’s activities will also feature an airplane fly-in until 11 a.m., offering a unique opportunity to see a variety of aircraft up close.
SkyFest Marysville continues to be a community-driven event, made possible by the dedication and support of local volunteers and organizations.
