Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of 9-5-17
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Parks and Recreation Department
Title:
title
Approval of and authorization to execute a Promotional License on City Property allowing Gatesway Balloon Festival, L.L.C. to host the 2017 Gatesway Balloon Festival at the City's Chisholm Trail Park (Events Park)
End
Background:
The Gatesway Balloon Festival LLC will be hosting the 21st Annual Gatesway Balloon Festival event at Chisholm Trail Park on September 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2017. Gatesway was founded in 1962 by Helen Gates to provide alternatives for person with intellectual disabilities; like her son Ronnie, who was born with Downs syndrome. Gatesway provides opportunities for independence to citizens with intellectual disabilities in not only Broken Arrow, but also other communities in Northeastern and Central Oklahoma. The goals of Gatesway is to assure that the people they serve acquire the life skills, vocational skills, and social skills to help them live and work as independently as possible and become a vital part of their communities.
This event was started over 20 years ago as a unique fundraising idea for the Gatesway Foundation. It was originally held in a field at the intersection of 41st Street and 129th Street in Tulsa. It more recently was located in Claremore. This year, they have moved the event back to their home community and plan to be here for many years to come.
The event will be open to the public beginning at 4:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Activities will include a classic car show co-hosted by Green Country Classic Mustang Club, Kite Club and kids activities, a fun run and 5k Run, and will feature over 30 balloons from all over the United States. Parking for the event will be $5 each day and event admission is free. Balloons will inflate at dawn and d...
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