Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer Returns Labor Day Weekend

Get ready for a spectacular Labor Day Weekend celebration that lifts spirits and supports a meaningful cause! The Cancer Association of Anderson proudly presents the 9th Annual "Hot Air Affair: Rising Above Cancer" at the Civic Center of Anderson Balloon Launch Field.

Event Overview

This three-day festival combines the magic of hot air balloons with live entertainment, delicious food, family activities, and community spirit—all while supporting the Cancer Association of Anderson's vital work in the community.

Location: Civic Center of Anderson Balloon Launch Field

Dates: September 4-6, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)

Friday, September 4th — Opening Night

Kick off the weekend with evening balloon activities and entertainment:

5:00 – 9:00 PM: Kidz Zone opens with food and merchandise vendors

6:00 – 8:00 PM: Ballooning Window featuring flights, glow, and tethered rides

7:00 – 9:00 PM: Live entertainment on stage with Modern Relic

Saturday, September 5th — Warrior Day

The action-packed Saturday features something for everyone:

Morning Ballooning (7:00 – 8:30 AM): Start your day with breathtaking balloon flights and tethered rides

All Day Activities (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM): Kidz Zone, food vendors, and merchandise

Taste of TINT Plus Cruise In (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Chamber's 8th Annual classic car show

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Ride: Registration at 10:00 AM, ride at 12:30 PM ($20 first card, $5 additional cards)

Afternoon Entertainment: Willy Yates & Chris Vita (12:30-2:00 PM), The Carolina Moon Band (3:00-6:00 PM)

Special Guest: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (2:00-8:00 PM)

Evening Highlights: Presentation of Colors (5:50 PM), Flying Tigers Jump In with National Anthem (6:00 PM), Adjacent Hays live on stage (6:00-9:00 PM)

Lift Off Color Run & Warrior Walk (6:30 PM): Honor cancer warriors and survivors

Sunday, September 6th — Celebrate Anderson

Morning Ballooning (7:00 – 8:30 AM): Final chance for flights and tethers

Daytime Festival (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM): Kidz Zone and vendors continue

Live Music: Heath Rankin (3:45-4:30 PM), Aden Webb (4:30-5:15 PM)

Evening Ballooning (6:00 – 8:00 PM): Final glow and flights

Celebrate Anderson: Anderson County's 27-year tradition concludes with concert fireworks and drone show

New in 2026: Rural Agricultural Expo

Inside the Civic Center, discover the brand new Rural Agricultural Expo featuring:

Pie eating contest

Live demonstrations

Wellness area

Cow drop raffle

Pennenton Future Farmers of America showcase

Lucky Pannie Farms Highland Cows (Saturday 10 AM-2 PM, Sunday 10 AM-1 PM)

Family-Friendly Characters

Kids will love meeting:

Culver's Scoopie

McDonald's Hamburglar & Grimace

Support the Cause

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Benefit Ride supports the Cancer Association of Anderson. Last bike in at 1:30 PM on Saturday.

Important Note

All balloon flights are subject to change depending on weather and wind patterns detected by pilots to ensure the safety of all pilots and riders.

Full Schedule

Visit RisingAboveCancer.com for the complete event schedule and updates.

Join the Anderson community September 4-6 for a weekend of hope, celebration, and rising above cancer together. See you at the Civic Center!