ASHLAND — Folks from Ashland and surrounding communities gathered Thursday at Freer Field for this year’s Ashland BalloonFest opening.

The festival, in its 34th year, includes food and merchant vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities and more.

Highlights of BalloonFest come when several hot air balloons launch into the sky from Freer Field. A balloon glow ends each night of the three-day festival at 9:15 p.m.

This year’s festival continues Friday and Saturday at Ashland’s Freer Field, 1264 Center St.

A full schedule of events for Friday and Saturday can be found at the festival’s website.

(Below are pictures from opening night of the 34th Ashland BalloonFest at Freer Field.)

Community investment made this reporting happen. Independent, local news in Shelby and Northern Richland County is brought to you in part by the generous support of Phillips Tube Group, R.S. Hanline, ArcelorMittal, Lloyd Rebar, Hess Industries, and Shelby Printing.

Staff reporter at Richland Source since 2023. I focus on the city of Shelby and northern Richland County news. Shelby H.S./Kent State alum. Have a story to share? Email me at hayden@richlandsource.com.