Ravenna Balloon A Fair, Ravenna

Ravenna was once home to one of the world's largest makers of toy balloons, Oak Rubber Co., in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Enterprising individuals in search of a way to celebrate their city seized on this, one of its earliest industries, as a theme for a grand community event. The Ravenna Balloon A-Fair was born—and has persisted for over 35 years.

Saturday

• Downtown Ravenna (9 a.m.–4 p.m.): The first event on the agenda, the Grand Parade, features floats and groups of marchers competing for prizes that award the best expression of the year's theme. Meanwhile, the downtown festival kicks off additional fun with live entertainment, craft booths, food vendors, and amusement rides.
• Sunbeau Valley Farm (4 p.m.–11 p.m.): Attendees head to this nearby property to continue the festivities with more concessions, more activities, and more live music. At 5:30 p.m., about 15 colorful hot air balloons rise from the ground—weather permitting—and present an excellent photo op. At dusk, there's a laser display.

Sunday

• Sunbeau Valley Farm (9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.): Festival-goers can spend the whole day at this site, giggling through amusement rides, taking a helicopter flight (for an extra fee), and watching the hot air balloons make their steady progress.