The Salina Eyes to the Sky Balloon festival recently held a contest among local elementary school art students to determine the theme and artwork for the 2023 balloon festival.
Hundreds of entrants were accepted, and winners were chosen from each grade level, as well as one overall winner.
Fly to your Dreams was the theme chosen with artwork by fifth grade student Lyla Dahlsrud. Her theme and artwork will be used in the 2023 balloon festival. Lyla is the daughter of Dixon and Sadie Dahlsrud.
Jade Torgerson, daughter of Dave and Lisa Torgerson, is the kindergarten winner, and Mya Snow, daughter of Brandon and Malissa Snow, is the first-grade winner. Lakynn Harrision, daughter of Tyrell and Kinsee Harrison is the second-grade winner, and Levi Larson, son of Kris and Ashlee Larsen is the third-grade winner. HaVyn Green, daughter of Shondie and Joe Mickelsen, is the fourth-grade winner.
The posters were judged by the Eyes to the Sky committee and ALL entrants will be displayed throughout Salina businesses the week of the festival, June 16-18.
“We thought this would be a fun way to get the kids involved,” said Lisa Taylor, Co-Director.
“Salina Elementary would like to thank the Balloon Festival Committee for involving our students in the coloring contest for the upcoming festival. Our students had a great time and have been excited to know that their art will be included in this year’s event,” said Principal Krahenbuhl. “Simple activities like this do wonders to help connect our school to our community and all parties benefit from the experience. We look forward to participating in events like this in the future and can’t wait to see our students’ artwork on display at the festival!”
Plans for the festival are moving ahead and vendor applications are currently being accepted. Those interested can contact Lisa at 801-850-8563. Whitney Lusk has been booked for the Friday evening band, and Carver Lewis will be coming in from Nashville to perform Saturday night. Prior to his concert a Polynesian performing group will be onstage!
“We’ve got a lot of things happening are excited by how many students participated in the contest,” said Carol Lowman, Co-Director. “We’re grateful for the elementary school for allowing this and it’s fun to see how excited everyone is for this year’s festival.”
