The Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival has unfortunately become an actual pie in the sky dream this year due to COVID-19, but the cty has lined up several socially-distanced events for the community to enjoy.
“Although we can’t see a safe way to bring the city the Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival they have known and loved in past years, we are absolutely delighted that we can still provide some of that magic with our Labor Day Celebrations,” city council member Tracy Scheel said.
There will be three events happening over Labor Day weekend Sept. 4 - 11 including a Labor Day Photo Contest.
Winners of the photo contest will receive cash prizes — 1st place is $200 and 2nd-5th are $50 each. Winners will be announced by city council at its Sept. 15 meeting. Visit (cityofkyle.com/laborday) or www.facebook.com/events/650868642454995) on Sept. 4 for information on how to enter the photo contest.
At approximately 7 a.m. on Sept. 5, hot air balloons will take flight from surprise launch locations around town. The balloon flyover is not a city sanctioned event.
“Cancelling this year’s festival left several of the talented hot air balloon pilots that regularly participate in Pie in the Sky missing the event too,” said Kyle Special Events and Programs Coordinator Sarah Watson. “So, some of the pilots have taken it upon themselves to boost Kyle’s spirits with their fantastic balloons this Labor Day weekend.”
The last event of the weekend will be a Drive-thru Glow Show on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:45 p.m. Residents can start lining up at 5001 City Lights Drive and then take an evening drive down Physicians Way to see eight to 10 tethered balloons as they set the night aglow. No parking or walkups will be allowed at this event.
All Labor Day event participants are asked to practice state and local orders regarding social distancing and using face coverings when out in public or interacting with those outside of their household.
These events are free and public. All hot air balloon events are weather permitting. For more information on the 2020 City of Kyle Labor Day Celebrations, go to cityofkyle.com/laborday.
