Broome County sets plans for 40th annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally in early August

DICKINSON, N.Y. — The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally turns 40 this year and takes place Aug. 2-4 at Otsiningo Park in the town of Dickinson, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and event organizers announced on May 29. Attracting more than 100,000 people to the region, the three-day event is considered one of the top hot-air balloon rallies in the U.S., organizers say. The family friendly Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally features live entertainment, food and craft vendors, car shows, volleyball tournaments, the annual Kelly LaBare 5K race, and more. In honor of 40 years, Wegman’s is sponsoring an 80-foot-tall balloon shaped like a birthday cake. This year’s festival features musical performances by DJ AyDamn, Shaboozey, and Niko Moon on Friday, Aug. 2. The Saturday, Aug. 3 lineup includes a meet-and-greet event with professional wrestler Trish Status and a concert by country music singer/songwriter Chris Young. Another country artist, Mitchell Tenpenny, performs on Sunday, Aug. 4. The full schedule of events and other information is available online at www.spiediefest.com. Tickets are on sale now at Mirabito Convenience Stores, the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, and on Ticketmaster.