Community gears up for first hot air balloon festival

During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding a lack of communication and transparency surrounding the kayak launch project. A speaker highlighted that there had been no open discussions from August to May, leading to delays in addressing the temporary kayak launch plan. The speaker criticized the council for not placing the issue under unfinished business, suggesting that this oversight contributed to the ongoing delays. Despite attempts by council members to follow up, they reportedly faced resistance, raising questions about the council's commitment to transparency and accountability.

In a more positive note, Rod Smith, representing the Friends of Vienna, announced an upcoming hot air balloon festival, \"Glow on the O,\" scheduled for October 19 at Spencer's Landing. This free event will feature ten hot air balloons that will inflate and glow in the evening, along with food trucks, inflatables, and music. Smith expressed gratitude for community support during the recent Freedom Festival and encouraged families to attend the festival, which aims to foster community spirit.

The meeting also included a brief mention of upcoming local elections, with candidates like Toni Morrison and Rod Smith being recognized for their candidacies. The discussions reflect ongoing community engagement and the importance of addressing both local projects and electoral participation.