The fifth annual Wayland Wayland Balloonfest will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6, at Calkins Field at 3755 S Division, Wayland.
This two-day event will consist of a kids’ carnival, car show, food truck vendors, live music, balloon flights and a “Balloon Glow!”
Also planned is a memorial walk to call attention to the devastation of suicide.
The location is just north of the City of Wayland along Division, at what used to be known as the Wayland Airport, established more than 75 years ago.
The impetus for this festival was the tragic suicide death of co-coordinator Nissa Smith’s mother in 2007.
“I lost my mom—my best friend—to suicide after her long battle with bipolar disorder,” Nissa Smith said. “The grief was overwhelming, and at the time, I didn’t fully understand what she had been going through. A friend encouraged me to attend a local suicide prevention walk, and it became a turning point in my healing. That day, I realized I wasn’t alone, and I made it my mission to ensure others knew they weren’t alone either.
“I launched my nonprofit, 4 One 2 Cares, to give back to our local community. One evening, while watching hot air balloons float over our home, my family and I were inspired to bring that joy to others—and the Wayland Hot Air Balloonfest was born.
“Our goal was simple: bring people together, spread hope, and remind everyone that it’s OK not to be OK. We’re in this together—one day at a time.”
The Memorial Walk is to remember those lost too soon.
“We walk to let others know they are not alone and that suicide prevention is possible,” Smith said “The funds we raise will go to support those in our community who have experienced a loss or those who may need assistance getting the care they need.”
The festival will run from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6.
