AN ACT adopting the carolina balloonfest held in the City of statesville as the official balloon rally of the state of north carolina.

Whereas, the City of Statesville has held a hot air balloon festival since 1974, making this year its 50th anniversary; and

Whereas, Statesville's balloon festival holds the record as the second oldest hot air balloon festival in the United States; and

Whereas, the current festival is known as Carolina BalloonFest and is a family‑friendly, three‑day event held each year in October; and

Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest features colorful hot air balloons, sanctioned competitions, hot air balloon flights, tethered balloon rides, live entertainment, a balloon glow, a kids zone, wine and craft beer tasting, crafts, and many more activities; and

Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest attracts thousands of visitors each year, contributing to the local economy; and

Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest donates a percentage of the proceeds from the festival to local nonprofits and community organizations; and

Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest should be adopted as the State's official balloon rally; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 145‑52.  State balloon rally.

The Carolina BalloonFest, held in October of every year in the City of Statesville, is adopted as the official balloon rally of the State of North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.