by John Beagle
According to the 2007 Economic Impact Report on MidFirst Ohio Challenge
Hot Air Balloon Festival, $4.9 million was added to the local economy.
Counting Method:
Volunteers using mechanical hand-held counting devices tabulated data from those entering the main gate from Tytus Avenue into Smith Park. No actual counts were taken at the other entrances: Wilbraham Road, Hook Field Airport, the footbridge from Tytus, Columbia Avenue, the bike path or for those observing from airport hangars, the Carmody Blvd area, Forest Hills Country Club or the businesses on Hook Drive.
Based on data collected and estimates from organizers, a figure was established for each of the three days of the event. Totals include volunteers, vendors, performers, etc, all of whom spend money while in Middletown and on-site. Additional volunteers asked a sampling of 1,500 guests where they lived, how they heard about the event and what they enjoyed most.
This report was submitted by:
Ann Mort