MT. VERNON – Balloons will bring a splash of color to the sky Oct. 24-26, as the Grant County Chamber of Commerce holds its first Hot Air Balloon Festival.

There will be sunrise flights, with up to 10 brightly colored balloons launching into the dawn skies. The launching will take place, weather permitting, between 6 and 7 a.m. from Mt. Vernon Middle School.

The festival also will include a Night Glow at dusk on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event offering a glowing show as the pilots synchronize their burners to the beat of music.

There will be a dinner Friday night, Oct. 24, for pilots and sponsors, at the newly remodeled Mt. Vernon Community Hall. The evening will include entertainment by the Up River Country Band and cowboy poetry by Kathy Moss. The Grant County Art Association will show work by local artists.

The Chamber is seeking volunteers to be launch crew members for the hot air balloons. Volunteers will be asked to attend a free crew training at the Chamber, with the date and time to be announced later.

Crew volunteers also are needed for the Night Glow on Oct. 25.

Chamber director Sharon Mogg said being a crew member can be an exhilarating experience that “creates special memories.”

“Many people return year after year because it is so exciting and different from their day-to-day activities,” she said.

To help out, reserve a balloon ride, or inquire about dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call the Chamber, 575-0547.