The countdown to the 48th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally has begun.
Four mass hot air balloon launches from Island Park are scheduled over three days, July 18-20.
The rally and related events like the Main Street Festival attract thousands of visitors to Wellsville on the third weekend in July every year.
The lead up to the high-flying event includes the annual Balloon Rally parade on July 12 and a concert by Western New York’s favorite Elvis impersonator, Terry Buchwald, on July 17.
Don’t forget to stop by the official Balloon Rally store for souvenirs before the first liftoff on July 18.
Here’s what to know about events happening before the rally officially starts.
Balloon Rally parade July 12 on Main Street
Rally Week will get off to a loud and colorful start with the Balloon Rally parade on Main Street in Wellsville at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12.
The parade is expected to include dozens of community groups, businesses and organizations with floats, displays and surprises.
The Balloon Rally Committee sent out a reminder to parents and kids to bring a bag for candy!
‘The King’ plays Music on the Lawn night before Balloon Rally
Count on Buchwald to get Wellsville all shook up with his Elvis Presley tribute on the eve of the Balloon Rally.
It has become a tradition for the acclaimed Elvis impersonator to perform at “Music on the Lawn” on the Thursday night before the first day of the rally and this year is no different.
Buchwald will take the stage in front of the David A. Howe Library on Main Street at 7 p.m. on July 17.
The concert is free. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair.
Great Wellsville Balloon Rally store location, hours
The Great Wellsville Balloon Rally store opened earlier in July.
It’s located at 46 S. Main St. and is stocked with merchandise and souvenirs for the 48th balloon fest. The store opens daily, 4-7 p.m.
Balloon Rally merchandise is also available at Community Bank on Highland Avenue and Fishers Pharmacy on Main Street.
The Balloon Rally store will be set up at Island Park during rally weekend.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Countdown to Great Wellsville Balloon Rally: Parade, Elvis tribute highlight early events
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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