CALVERT CITY, Ky. — With the remnants of Hurricane Francine headed to the Local 6 region, the bad weather is causing several local events to cancel — and some others to say the show must go on.
The Calvert City Balloon Glow has been cancelled because of the weather. Calvert City's director of marketing Blair Travis said they're disappointed — but it will be rescheduled because of the potential big benefit to the whole community.
From hot air balloons to monster trucks, the rain coming in from Hurricane Francine might have an effect on weekend plans.
"I was probably 2 or 3 years old, and I can remember it, and it was just so beautiful. And it was here. It was at the airport, I think, in Kentucky Dam Village. So to me to be able to bring that — I mean, I'm 41 now, so to bring that back," Travis said.
Blair Travis in her office in Calvert City.
The decision to cancel was up to the pilots of the hot air balloons.
"They are experts in weather forecasting, and you know, that is something huge with hot air balloons. It doesn't even just have to do with the rain, but it also has to do with the pressure in the air and the energy in the air," she said.
It's an event city leaders are working to reschedule — so the economy gets a boost.
"Where we are going to see the loss, and where we were once excited about it, was the fact that people were traveling from hours away. So we were looking at those that economic impact of overnight stays in our hotels, people eating in our restaurants, and, you know, spending a full weekend here," she said.
In Paducah, Monster Truck Wars is having better luck — the rain is even invited.
"It absolutely gets more crazier. You know these big bad boy monster trucks; they weigh over 10,000 pounds, pushing over 2,000 horsepower, and they do really well in the mud, but it is comical. There's times where they don't stop on a dime, like normally in the mud, and it's fun to watch," said Ron Woodbridge with Monster Truck Wars.
Woodbridge said the event usually brings a little boost to the local economy since organizers work with local businesses, like hardware shops, to buy supplies and equipment for the show, and they have people from all over travel to come see the show.
Other local events, like the Banana Festival in Fulton, Kentucky, have yet to announce any cancellations, but some events are rescheduled.
The location for the Purchase Area Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday has changed. It will be held at the Paducah Recreational Center.
To find out more about the Banana Festival, click here.
To find out more about Calvert City events, click here.
To find out more about Paducah's Monster Truck Wars, click here.
