Music line-up announced for May 1-3 Balloon Fest at OWA

Music line-up announced for May 1-3 Balloon Fest at OWA
The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Columbia Southern University, returns to OWA Parks & Resort from May 1-3, with a dynamic schedule packed with activities, live music, and hot air balloon glows and displays that promise fun for the entire family. This free three-day event features not only breathtaking hot air balloon excitement but also an array of attractions that capture the spirit of community celebration. For the full schedule of events, visit gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/ schedule.
Complimentary off-site shuttle service to the fest will be offered courtesy of Liberty Church from 4-11 p.m. on Friday anda 2-11 p.m. on Saturday.
Hot air balloon flights and displays are all about the right weather. Flights are scheduled at dawn and dusk when conditions are just right, and even daytime balloon displays (where balloons stay on the ground) depend on Mother Nature’s cooperation. Same for tethered rides. Safety is always the top priority. Stay updated on early morning and evening balloon flights by tuning in to WHEP Radio Baldwin at 92.5 FM.
This years’ festival music line-up includes a reggae set from Vibe Irie at 3 p.m. on May 2. An innovative and multi faceted party band from Pensacola, they play an eclectic selection of top reggae, calypso, and trop-rock hits in addition to originals.
Vibe Irie has opened up for The Wailers, Nappy Roots, Pato Banton, Afroman, Yellowman, Tribal Seeds, Mystic Roots, Cas Haley and others. “Spreading good vibes across the Gulf Coast and beyond” is their motto.
Dorsten, a folk rock duo from Phoenix, make their fest debut on May 3 at 5 p.m. The brother-sister band is known for captivating melodies & intricate instrumentation, as Sophie’s vocals glide over Alex’s guitar-driven baseline.
“My version of a song could be a broken-hearted guy sitting at a bar at 3 a.m. Sophie’s version is much more ethereal. More like an angel sitting on a cloud brushing her hair in slow motion. It’s quite haunting and beautiful,” Alex said.

Robertsdale’s Mallory Ingram is Balloon Fest Poster designer

Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale (pictured) is the winner of the fest poster design contest. Mallory’s artwork will also be don the official Balloon Fest t-shirt and other merchandise available for purchase at the event.
Best known for her pet portraits and homestead-focused paintings, Mallory’s passion for slow living and nostalgia serves as the focus and inspiration for her artwork. When she’s not holding a paintbrush, Mallory enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children, gardening, being outdoors, and tending to the homestead, The Piddlin’ Farm.
Through her art, she seeks to preserve traditional ways of life and inspire others to see the value in the ordinary. More info: Facebook Piddlin’ Farm.