SoKY’s Choice: Hot air balloons and community spirit light up Barren County’s Groove & Glow

GLASGOW, Ky. (WNKY) – After a one-year hiatus, Groove & Glow returned to the Glasgow Municipal Airport this weekend, drawing hundreds of people, and even some dogs, to a night of music, food and glowing hot air balloons.

The free festival, presented by Entertain Glasgow with support from the City of Glasgow, Barren County Tourism and T.J. Regional Health, featured live bands, food trucks, family activities and tethered hot air balloon rides.

For many, it was their first time experiencing the spectacle.

“It’s a great place to take your kids,” said Troy Wyatt of Monroe County. “Live music, food, it’s all been great so far. But the hot air balloons lighting up the sky? You can’t really beat that.”

Others said they were eager to return after the break in 2024.

“There’s way more people here, way more hot air balloons, the band’s great, but for us it’s just family, friends, music, and enjoying time together,” said attendee Tekeisha Pascal.

Local businesses also see the event as a point of pride.

“This is probably the biggest one in Glasgow that they do every year,” said vendor Jerry Francis, who owns Glasgow Hawaiian Shaved Ice & Ice Cream. “The balloons attract everybody, the music brings people together, and I love giving back to the community.”

Visitors traveled from surrounding counties and beyond, many discovering the festival through social media. Carla Owens, who recently moved to the area, called the night “an outpouring of kindness,” while kids like Emmett Lemons kept it simple: “I like the bouncy house… and the hot air balloons. They’re really cool.”

The evening ended with balloons glowing against the night sky, as families danced, kids ran through inflatables, and even pets joined in. Organizers said the festival has become one of Barren County’s signature community events, and judging by the turnout, the glow is only getting brighter.