Group trying to bring back Hot Air Affair

Van Wert independent/contributor information

A group of interested area residents are hoping the Van Wert community will be full of hot air by next September.

Plans are underway to bring back the once-popular Hot Air Affair hot air balloon event formerly sponsored by the Van Wert Area Jaycees. Dates set for the event are Friday and Saturday, September 7-8, 2012, with the event to be located at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

Preliminary plans have already been made for a number of activities and events, including kids’ rides, a car show, a chili cook-off, motorcycle thrill show, Otto the Helicopter performances, vendor/craft booths, Country and Rock bands, a spaghetti supper on Friday night and a chicken barbecue hosted by the Van Wert Professional Firefighters Association on Saturday, and the Dan Buchanan Flying Colors Air Show.

Of course, organizers also plan to have a number of hot air balloons on hand, with the hope of also offering balloon rides, if possible.

The committee organizing the event is also open to new suggestions or ideas and welcomes local residents’ attendance at organizational meetings held the third Thursday of each month, starting at 7 p.m., in the fair board office.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15.