About nine years ago, our community began to talk about bringing the area's premier ballooning event to Anderson. It seemed like an unreachable goal and there were probably only a few people that believed it was even possible. Through the work of a dedicated community, we achieved that far-reaching goal when Freedom Weekend Aloft landed right here. During the next eight years, we developed a passion for the beauty of ballooning, and today, few of us can imagine our community without hot-air balloons filling the sky. Shortly after FWA moved to Anderson, the Balloon Federation of America chose Anderson as the site for their national championship, where balloonists worked to earn a spot on the U.S. team for the world competition. From the festival-like atmosphere of Freedom Weekend Aloft, to the strict competition surrounding the Balloon Federation of America's qualifying event, it is safe to say that Anderson has now embraced a strong "tradition of ballooning."

In order for the group's vision to become reality, partners had to be identified and I would like to recognize those who have come together to support this joint venture. Anderson County, the City of Anderson, local industry, and the SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism have all committed their individual resources to the concept of a new hot-air ballooning event. On behalf of the members of the partner agencies and the volunteers that have pushed this initiative forward, it is my great pleasure to announce the Anderson community will launch the 2nd GREAT SOUTHEAST BALLOONFEST on Labor Day weekend 2008.