Community group prepares for annual balloon festival in Junction City on August 24

The Danville City Commission held a special meeting on April 10, 2025, where key discussions centered around community events and budget requests aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and services.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the announcement of the upcoming balloon festival scheduled for August 24. Following a successful event last year that attracted 3,000 to 4,000 attendees, community leaders expressed excitement about this year's festival. A new organizing group, led by local volunteers, has stepped in to coordinate the event after the previous chair became unavailable. The team has already secured balloons and parking arrangements, addressing two significant logistical challenges. The festival aims to improve traffic flow by utilizing a new entrance route from the airport, which is expected to facilitate easier access for attendees.

In addition to the festival, the meeting also focused on budget requests for various projects. The commission discussed funding for the completion of an entrance road to the airport, which is currently under construction. This project is part of a broader master plan that includes the addition of new hangars to accommodate increasing demand. The airport is seeking local matching funds to support these initiatives, which are crucial for maintaining and expanding airport operations.

Furthermore, the commission addressed the need for a new crew vehicle to better serve corporate clients visiting the airport. The current vehicle, donated several years ago, is aging and insufficient for larger groups. The request for funding also included support for airport insurance, highlighting the ongoing financial needs of the airport.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to enhancing local events and infrastructure. The balloon festival is anticipated to be a significant community gathering, while the budget requests reflect a proactive approach to addressing the airport's operational needs. As the commission moves forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration and support from local stakeholders.