GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H 1
HOUSE BILL 43
Short Title: Designate State Balloon Rally. (Public)
Sponsors: Representatives Carver, Setzer, McNeely, and Ross (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to: State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the
House
February 5, 2025
*H43-v-1*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT ADOPTING THE CAROLINA BALLOONFEST HELD IN THE CITY OF 2
STATESVILLE AS THE OFFICIAL BALLOON RALLY OF THE STATE OF NORTH 3
CAROLINA. 4
Whereas, the City of Statesville has held a hot air balloon festival since 1974, making 5
this year its 50th anniversary; and 6
Whereas, Statesville's balloon festival holds the record as the second oldest hot air 7
balloon festival in the United States; and 8
Whereas, the current festival is known as Carolina BalloonFest and is a 9
family-friendly, three-day event held each year in October; and 10
Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest features colorful hot air balloons, sanctioned 11
competitions, hot air balloon flights, tethered balloon rides, live entertainment, a balloon glow, a 12
kids zone, wine and craft beer tasting, crafts, and many more activities; and 13
Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest attracts thousands of visitors each year, 14
contributing to the local economy; and 15
Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest donates a percentage of the proceeds from the 16
festival to local nonprofits and community organizations; and 17
Whereas, the Carolina BalloonFest should be adopted as the State's official balloon 18
rally; Now, therefore, 19
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 20
SECTION 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new 21
section to read: 22
"ยง 145-52. State balloon rally. 23
The Carolina BalloonFest, held in October of every year in the City of Statesville, is adopted 24
as the official balloon rally of the State of North Carolina." 25
SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law. 26