Hot Air Balloon's Wayward Journey Prompts Emergency Calls: Harford County Fire Officials

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A hot air balloon landed off its mark Tuesday night in Harford County, which prompted residents to call and report a balloon that appeared to be in distress.

Volunteer firefighters from the Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company headed out to the balloon's location near Rocks Road (MD-24) and Saint Mary's Road in Pylesville. The Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company, Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company, Darlington Volunteer Fire Company and Harford County Department of Emergency Services all responded.

The departments reported that there was not an emergency, but rather the balloon "just landed a little off target."

It was reported recently that the annual Chesapeake Bay Balloon Festival would not be returning to Harford County. A new location for the balloon festival has been shared by event organizers with a special ticket discount for Harford County residents.

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," the Facebook post made by event organizers stated.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said 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." However, the event is not canceled and is merely being relocated, organizers have emphasized repeatedly.

"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 a statement.

The event has been held at Talbot County's Triple Creek Winery for six years. The new location has been announced by event organizers and will be at the Mason Dixon Fairgrounds on the Harford/Delta border Aug. 4-6.

"To show our appreciation for the families of Harford County, through midnight Thursday, Aug. 3, enter coupon code HARFORD and receive $10 off of each regularly priced ticket," event organizers have shared with Patch.

Tickets are available at www.chesapeakebayballoonfestival.com. For additional details about the event, visit here.