The Route 66 Balloon Festival returned to Missouri Southern State University from Aug. 28-30, drawing attendees from the Joplin area and Oklahoma. While the event offered families a chance to see hot air balloons up close and enjoy a festival atmosphere, it also generated disappointment among patrons who expected the balloons to fly, despite organizers stating they would only glow.
Held on the south side of the university near the soccer fields, this marked the second consecutive year Missouri Southern has hosted the festival. The event, which originated in Oklahoma, continued its tradition of attracting visitors from across the region looking for a community experience.
For many, the festival provided a desired opportunity for family outings. Attendees spoke of wanting their children to experience various activities, and the festival's atmosphere, complete with the sight of large balloons, contributed to that. The opportunity to view the intricate balloons at close range was a noted appeal for those in attendance.
However, the most significant point of contention arose from the fact that the hot air balloons remained on the ground throughout the event. This contradicted the assumption held by many attendees that the primary attraction of a "balloon festival" would involve the ascent of the balloons into the air.
Customers expressed that they felt the festival's advertisements were misleading. A Joplin mother of two voiced her frustration, stating, "I would’ve never given them my money if I knew they would just leave the balloons on the ground." This sentiment was echoed by other patrons, who felt the expense of tickets did not align with the overall experience provided, especially given the grounded nature of the balloons. The disconnect between public expectation and event reality caused a notable "stir" during the weekend.
In response to these concerns, Route 66 team officials asserted that their advertising was accurate and transparent. The officials clarified that promotional materials explicitly stated the festival's balloons would "glow" but did not include any promises or mentions of the balloons ascending or "leaving the ground."
Despite the mixed feedback regarding the balloons' flight status and advertising clarity, the festival at Missouri Southern still provided a setting for attendees to interact with the large balloons and partake in a community event atmosphere.
