On August 9th, the Zachary youth park opened between 4:30-9:30 to fill the sky with hot air balloons for the hot air balloon festival. The area was hot and humid. The event was hosted by Shawnel Hebert and Ashleigh McHugh. With a total of 5 to 6 balloons filling the air around 7 pm, the event was very aesthetic, joyful, and fun. This place made me feel sweaty and hot, but excited to talk to my friends! This is the biggest festival of the year. 

  Crowds of families and friends filled the area. People walked for long hours in the heat and dehydration began to settle in. Water bottles begin to empty as loud music is heard from all over, bands playing in every corner. Hundreds of people can be seen waiting in line for food, mainly for snow cones. Snow cones were a main source of hydration and doubled as a sweet treat. Flavors like green apple. coconut, wedding cake, strawberry, bubblegum and so many other flavors seem to be a hit.  

  Bands were performing on a big stage; loud music blasted throughout Brec Park and the sound of people screaming and laughing filled the area. My personal experience at the festival was fun overall. I hung out with friends and also made new ones. It was very hot with temperatures at 94 degrees. I bought a water bottle and chugged it down in one standing. I also shared a snow cone with one of my friends.  

   Personally, I would only go again with family and friends because of the hot weather. I was dehydrated, parched, and dry. I took a nice cold bath when I got home, and shortly later went to bed because of my exhaustion. Overall, the experience was fun but very tiring. 

    Personally, I would only go again with friends and family because the weather was so hot I wouldn’t go alone. I was dehydrated, parched, and dry. I took a nice cold bath when I got home. And shortly later I sent to bed because I was so exhausted from walking so many hours. Overall, the experience was fun but really tiring.