What started as a small gathering of balloon pilots in 2001 by a local balloon pilot, Fred Grotenhuis, has not helped to revitalize the Warren County Farmers' Fair, but has spun off in to  several new traditions in aviation events in Warren.

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Read about the history of the events and read more about the charities that the events support.

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Flying Festivals of Warren County was established in 2022 to continue organizing aviation (both balloon and drone) events in Warren County. The events at the College are a joint venture between the Warren Community College Foundation and balloon festival organizers. The events at the college cross promote with the Warren County Farmers' Fair in order to promote Warren County as a  balloon/aviation destination, looking to the future of Warren UAS and its roll in Warren County economics.

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The charities - Warren Community College Foundation, Fred Grotenhuis Scholarships, and the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project -  are supported by the festivals at the College, through proceeds from gate revenue. 

 

The Fred Grotenhuis Scholarships and the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project have also been supported in the past by proceeds from the tethered rides, through the Bicycle Balloon Race and sponsor, Unity Bank donating 100% of the revenue from their tethered rides at the Warren County Farmers' Fair.

 

In 2023 & 2024 the proceeds from tethered rides were concentrated on Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project - a recently (Sept. 28, 2024) outdoor fitness gym that Veterans and other community members can use year round.  ​​

 

Flying Festivals of Warren County is very appreciative of the Warren Community College and Warren County Farmers' Fair Association for the opportunities they provide.

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