The City of Foley is increasing its support for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, the largest annual event in the Foley area.
At its meeting on Monday, Jan. 5, the Foley City Council voted to increase funding for the festival, which is held each May and hosted by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. The additional funding will be used to expand marketing efforts and explore improved ways to track the festival’s economic impact on the City of Foley and the chamber.
Travis Valentine, president and CEO of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, told council members that the festival has experienced significant growth since it began in Foley in 2005. In recent years, the event has gained statewide and regional recognition, including being named Event of the Year by the Alabama Tourism Department in 2021 and being designated a Signature Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.
As attendance has grown, so have costs. Valentine said festival expenses have increased by more than 65% over the past 10 years. In 2024, approximately 32,000 people attended the event, up from 25,000 the previous year. Chamber reports show that during the festival weekend, restaurant revenue increased by more than 30% and hotel occupancy reached 95%.
Each year, about 55 hot air balloons from across the country participate in the festival, which in recent years has been held at OWA Parks & Resort.
In addition to financial support, the City of Foley provides police, fire and sanitary services for the festival and sponsors a balloon at the event each year.
City officials said the increased funding reflects the festival’s growing economic impact and its importance to the community and local tourism.