Hot air balloons will decorate the sky in Henry County this weekend, in an effort to help the local special-needs community.

  Southern Belle Farm in McDonough will host the 2019 Our World Balloon Festival on September 14. General admission tickets are $30 each, and all proceeds go directly to Our World School.

  The inaugural festival is expected to showcase 16-18 balloons, said Lori Harris, executive director of Our World at H.O.P.E. Park. Harris said the fundraiser is a necessity in order to continue to serve children with special needs.

  “We’re raising money for Our World School,” said Harris. “Even though the tuition is $13,000 a year for the school, it costs us over $23,000 per student to provide the services and education that we provide at Our World.”

  Harris said the festival will get an early start, with balloons participating in a competition flight at 6:30 a.m.

  “At 11 a.m., the balloons will stand and tether, weather permitting,” said Harris. “At 8 p.m., the balloons will do a balloon glow. The way that works is, colors get called out, and if the balloons have that color in their envelope, the will pull their burner and light the balloon. It’s a really pretty show.”

  Attendees will have access to amenities at the farm, except for the corn maze, as part of the ticket price. Along with hot air balloons, the festival will feature: a Climbers & Crawlers Motor Show; a Kid Zone sponsored by Brian Andrews State Farm; a Sensory Zone; a tethered balloon area for interacting with balloonists; a falconer; a business and craft vendor area; food and live music.

  The headliner will be Corey Smith, with additional performances by the Trey Teem Band, Charlotte Pike, The Traveling Downbeats, Logan Winkles and Hartley Station, and Thomas Tillman.

  Southern Belle Farm Owner, Jake Carter, said he looks forward to hosting the festival as a way to help children with special needs.

  “Ever since we found out about this Our World School a few years ago, we’ve just been drawn in,” said Carter. “We’re just honored to have an opportunity to host this event. Hopefully we’ll have a great turnout and be able to raise money for the school.”

  For more information or to purchase tickets for the festival, call 231-360-3469 or visit ourworldballoonfest.com.