By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – After a seven-year run followed by a three-year hiatus, the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959 once again offered a weekend of spectacular sights and sounds Aug. 15 and 16 with its Balloons and Blues Festival.
Festivities began Saturday at dawn as several hundred early risers arrived with coffee and cameras to view the inflation and ascension of 13 hot air balloons. Several daring guests boarded balloons as passengers. Everyone came for the balloons and could stay for a pancake breakfast served in the pavilion by Boy Scouts Venture Crew 21.
Many more guests attended throughout the day for live musical entertainment provided by three bands, state police K-9 demonstrations, professional wrestling matches, a walk-through of a full-size hot air balloon, trackless train rides, face painting, bouncy house, food trucks and vendors. The full day of activities concluded with an evening balloon glow accompanied by live music performed by the Bruce Marshall Group.
The festival resumed at dawn Sunday morning with another hot air balloon ascension.
For information about upcoming activities of the Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959, visit hudsonelks.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/HudsonElksLodge959.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.