FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The volunteer organizers of the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest are pleased to announce Fidelity Bank as the presenting sponsor of the second community celebration dedicated to honoring the service of our nation's military families and remembering fallen heroes.
"We are extremely pleased to be a part of such a worthwhile event. Fidelity Bank is helping to support our community by building a viable future where we live, work, and our customers call home,” said Fidelity Bank President and CEO, Mary Willis. “The WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest's core platform is to honor and celebrate the sacrifice of our military personnel and their families. This event embodies the spirit of service above self which we embrace in our Right By You mission as a community-centered bank."
The announcement of Fidelity Bank's sponsorship is timed as the festival organizers launch a day-long volunteer drive at Fidelity’s Headquarters in Fuquay-Varina.
"Being of service to others is deeply rooted within the Fidelity Bank culture," said Brian Hoyle, lead organizer for the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest. "We believe the connection to volunteer service is in perfect alignment with Fidelity’s values. Like our volunteers, Fidelity Bank employees at every level truly want to help others. We feel it is the right way to celebrate Fidelity Bank's leadership level support, as we make a big push for volunteers. It's a great fit for our festival and for the community."
Volunteers Wanted - Using attendance figures from last year’s event, the festival will require about 300 volunteers each day of the event. Organizers are planning for an audience of between 60,000-80,000 over the course of the festival.
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available ranging from organizational and office skills to serving as hospitality volunteers and working with visiting balloon teams. The festival is looking to significantly grow the number of volunteers over the next two weeks and will have orientation and training meetings beginning in mid-April. Those wishing to serve as volunteers can do so at the festival's website: www.WRALFreedomBalloonFest.com.
More than 30 balloon pilots and teams from around the nation are expected to attend the festival. Other entertainment includes vintage amusement rides, military displays, area merchants, arts and crafts village, dozens of different food options, and more than 19 hours of live music.
The festival will officially open at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27 through Memorial Day weekend. There will be an opening ceremony with a dedication of the Field of Flags living memorial space. About an hour before sunset there will be a mass ascension of all participating balloons followed by a balloon "glow" just after dark. Events in Fuquay-Varina continue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with competition balloon flights. Each afternoon and evening spectators will enjoy a mass ascension and a balloon glow with a few of the balloons providing tethered rides.
About The Fidelity Bank - Fidelity Bank is a full-service financial institution with assets of approximately $1.7 billion headquartered in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The Bank owns and operates 60 branches throughout North Carolina and Virginia.
About the WRAL Freedom Balloon Fest - This admission free community event is funded almost entirely through sponsorships and individual donors. It is organized by volunteers in humble recognition of the sacrifices and commitment to service exemplified by the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Together, we celebrate our freedom, remember our fallen, and honor those who serve and have served.