Harford Co. Will Not Host Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival This Year, New Location Sought

BEL AIR, MD — People across the county have expressed disappointment in the decision announced Sunday to relocate the Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival out of Harford County.

The annual event was scheduled to take place at Cedar Lane Regional Park in Bel Air Aug. 4-6. But organizers said on Facebook Sunday they were "surprised and disappointed" by Harford County leaders' decision not to allow the event to happen within their borders.

"We were surprised and disappointed by this unexpected last-minute decision by Harford County, since we have been working hand-in-hand with them for months. We thank the community for its unwavering support of our festival and plan to announce a new location this coming week," the Facebook post stated.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said Friday that the event was being canceled because of safety concerns. Held on county parks and recreation property at the regional park, Cassilly said that it was being "canceled due to numerous unresolved safety concerns."

"After extensive discussions with state and local law enforcement, the county department of emergency services and other county and state agencies, Harford County government notified the organizers, American Farm Foundation, that their submitted plans had insurmountable deficiencies that could not be corrected prior to the event. The county has directed the foundation to cease advertising the event and requested that refunds be given on ticket sales to date. Harford County welcomes festivals and hosts many events throughout the year; however, Harford County government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors," Cassilly said in the statement.

A new venue will be announced within the coming week, event organizers said. The event has been held at Talbot County's Triple Creek Winery for six years.

One Facebook user said she lives in Harford County and was looking forward to the event.

"But (I) have always questioned how it was going to be pulled off, at that location. I have been to the Ellicott City one and there were sooooo many people and it's a nightmare on traffic and resources," she said.

Numerous Facebook users inquired about ticket refunds since they only wanted to attend when the event was to be held in Harford County. An organizer posted that refunds would be allowed and more information would be coming.

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