Nye County commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 7 to grant an outdoor festival license to Wrecking Ball Entertainment for the Hot Air Rally in the Valley scheduled Feb. 13–15, 2026, at Petrick Park in Pahrump.

The board’s approval includes a condition that the event organizer coordinate with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office to secure deputy coverage; Sheriff Joe McGill asked for “2 deputies from 2PM to close on the thirteenth and the fourteenth” at overtime rates. The applicant will be responsible for fees required to provide that coverage.

Organizer Kelly Sater told commissioners the rally aims to bring back a multi-day balloon festival with tethered rides, morning launches, balloon glows and community fundraising that would benefit local nonprofits. “The hot air rally in the valley is here to bring that magic back,” Sater said, describing plans for pilots, vendors and local nonprofit partnerships.

Sheriff Joe McGill asked that the applicant contract deputy coverage on the busiest days; county staff confirmed the condition will be included in the license and the applicant will work out payment and scheduling with the sheriff’s office before the event.

The motion to approve the license carried 5-0.