For the first time in over 110 years, Duluth held a multipurpose event to say goodbye to summer and hello to the autumnal equinox.
While the main attraction of the event (hot air balloons) failed to reach soaring heights due to moody Minnesota weather, that didn't stop the 3,000 kites from filling the sky at Bayfront Festival Park.
The event offered a variety of live entertainment from local musicians, helicopter rides, greasy-good food and, in spirit of Oktoberfest, a craft beer village. Several Duluth breweries, such as the newly-beloved Bent Paddle, Black List and Lake Superior Brewing Co. handed out samples to event-goers.
St. Luke's hospital, Kernz and Kompany, DECC, the National Weather Service and so many more Duluth businesses came together to create the happiest and hoppiest hot air balloon festival Duluth has ever seen. With such a successful turnout, Duluth hopes to make the festival an annual or bi-annual event.
Writer's notes: Stay tuned for a full-length story coming to LakeVoice soon!