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AlcoVets and commissioners agree to move Burlington balloon festival to May weekend starting 2026
Summary
AlcoVets told the board the balloon festival will move from September to Mothers' Day weekend starting 2026; commissioners agreed to rescind the September proclamation and adopt a May date, with the group promising park improvements at no county cost.
Alamance County commissioners on April 21 approved a request from AlcoVets to rescind a September proclamation for the balloon festival and replace it with a third-weekend-in-May date, effective beginning in 2026.
AlcoVets presentation: Richard Shelton, vice chair of AlcoVets, told commissioners the organization plans to move the event to the Mother’s Day weekend (third weekend in May) because weather is typically more predictable and volunteer organizers prefer the date. AlcoVets representatives said they will perform park improvements and handle any cleanup at no cost to the county.
Board action: A commissioner moved and seconded the change to the proclamation; the board approved the request by voice vote.
Why it matters: The festival is a recurring local event that uses county park space. AlcoVets said changing the date would improve reliability for hot-air balloon flights and allow more attractions and tethered balloons year-round while reducing weather-related cancellations. The organization also committed to collaborating with county parks staff and to documenting any planned park work.
Provenance: The organization presented its recommendation to the board and commissioners voted to change the proclamation and date for future festivals.
