Hello, this is Brad Thompson, Chairman of The Great
Wellsville Balloon Rally. Over the last
few weeks, the committee has been discussing, and trying to decide what to do
about this year’s rally. After much
discussion, and weighing the pros and the cons, we have decided as a committee,
to cancel this year's rally. There are
many reasons why it is not feasible to hold the rally this year. First and foremost, we need to think of the
health and welfare of our spectators, balloonists and their crews, our vendors,
committee members and their families, and our entire community. Having a large gathering, with people
attending from all over Western NY and the Northeast, would be irresponsible in
light of the current health crisis. Many
events around Western New York and many larger balloon rallies have canceled
their events well into August. Second,
the committee feels that we cannot ask our local sponsors (local businesses
that sponsor the balloons) for their support or donations this year, as many of
these businesses are either closed or their business is significantly
diminished.
Our two of the largest fundraisers are our balloon sponsors
and donors, and the sale of our t-shirts and other merchandise. It takes 6 months of planning for the rally
to come together. The vendor that
provides our rally t-shirts was considered “non-essential” at this time and is
closed. T-shirts need to be ordered at
least six weeks before we need them in June.
Even if our vendor was able to provide them in time, we would still be
taking a huge risk that the large gathering ban will be lifted in time for the
rally. This is a heartbreaking decision for the committee to make, and none of
us takes this decision lightly.
Logistically it really is not possible to reschedule the rally, as most
balloonist have other rallies that they attend after ours, but, at this point,
no one knows what is going to be the new normal moving forward through the
summer and fall.
So, we will turn our thoughts to next year’s rally. Until
then, wishing everyone calm winds and soft landings, be well, be safe, and we
will see you in 2021.
The Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Committee
