Second annual Balloon Glow to take flight Thursday

Second annual Balloon Glow to take flight Thursday

SHREVEPORT -- The LSUS skyline will be dotted with hot air balloons on Thursday for the second annual Balloon Glow.

This family-friendly evening event offers tethered balloon rides, food trucks, and a Kids Zone that includes bounce houses.

The event runs from 5-8 p.m. at the back of the LSUS campus along East Kings.

General admission tickets are offered at $5 with LSUS students and kids 10 and under getting free admission.

Tethered balloon rides are sold separately at $25 per person.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the LSUS Foundation, which supports the University through private dollars to offer scholarships and professorships as well sustain other activities on campus.

"This is an event that the campus and community looks forward to," said Laura Perdue, executive director of the LSUS Foundation. "The hot air balloons have become synonymous with LSUS because of the generosity of alumni and balloonist Pat Harwell."

The Foundation offers a VIP experience as well, which features premium seating, tethered balloon rides, and a full bar with heavy hors d'oeuvres. Early-bird VIP tickets are $65 with on-site purchase at $75.

SWEPCO is sponsoring the VIP tent at the event and will present a $7,500 check to the LSUS Foundation as part of the festivities.

Other event sponsors include Regions Bank and American Escapes Aerosports.

Food trucks that will have cuisine for sale include Joe's 2 Geaux, Streetcar Snowballs, Taqueria Maria, Demented Desserts and Big Al's Lil' Bites.