Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Honored at 2021 Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism

Lori

Jan 7, 20222 min read

The Alabama Tourism Department honored its 2021 award winners during the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism, held at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Among the prestigious accolades, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival was named "2021 Event of the Year," a testament to its remarkable growth and impact on the region.

*Pictured: Tommy Rachel, Donna Watts - SBCC CEO, Rachel Spear - Event Director, Candice Martinez, Kylee Raulerson - SBCF ExecDir, Mayor Ralph Hellmich*

What began as a simple idea in 2005 has since soared to new heights. Tommy Rachel, owner of Taking Off Hot Air Balloon Co. in Magnolia Springs, first pitched the festival concept to fellow aeronauts before bringing it to Donna Watts, President & CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. With her support, the idea quickly gained momentum, leading to a collaboration with the City of Foley to launch what would become one of Alabama’s most beloved events.

Originally held at the Foley Sports Complex, the festival has since found its home at OWA, where it has continued to flourish. In its 17th year, the 2021 event recorded its largest attendance to date, with over 120,000 visitors experiencing the magic of hot air balloons filling the Gulf Coast sky.

Accepting the Award & Looking to the Future

Rachel Spear, Event Director for the South Baldwin Chamber, along with festival founder Tommy Rachel, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the festival. Spear reflected on the journey, saying:

"For the past seven years of working with the South Baldwin Chamber’s event team, I have watched the festival morph and grow into what it is today. Nothing in my career has been more satisfying than seeing the smiles on visitors' faces as they watch hot air balloons inflate all around them. This event would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors and the partnership and support of the City of Foley and OWA. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you."

With the festival’s reputation soaring higher than ever, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival continues to bring breathtaking sights, family-friendly fun, and a unique celebration of aeronautics to Foley, Alabama. As the event moves forward, it remains a shining example of what vision, community support, and dedicated leadership can achieve.