Pellissippi: Hotbed of hot air balloons

In 2004, Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tenn., happened upon a wonderful idea — a hot air balloon festival in the fall. Turns out, the lakeshore campus and early fall weather provided the perfect setting for the event, and the Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival has been ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top fall events in the South.

This year’s festival is Friday and Saturday, and attractions include an appearance by one of the tallest hot air balloons in the world, the “Hot Hare” balloon, a giant representation of the seemingly ubiquitous Energizer Bunny. Also, Einstein, a 22-year-old African gray parrot and local legend from the Knoxville Zoo, will perform some of the tricks that made her a star of Animal Planet’s “Pet Star” TV show. But the most tantalizing aspect of Pellissippi is the “balloon glow” event that takes place in the evening. Weather permitting, dozens of balloonists will fire up their aircraft for all to see at night.

Hot air balloons aside, the festival offers plenty of entertainment, including musical performances, a dog show with sport and comedy routines, and arts and crafts booths and food vendors galore. Visitors can also take a ride in a tethered balloon.