Stillwater Balloonfest story won’t float away…

KFOR won't let the hot air run out of the Stillwater Balloonfest story. And in all fairness, we won't either.

Earlier this week, the station filed yet another report in their now long-running series about the scammy festival from back in April. This time around, they're reporting that the sleuths in the Payne County Sheriff's Department are investigating if the festival the looks like a scam and went off like a scam was "planned or advertised legitimately."

Via KFOR:

I have no clue if the Stillwater Balloonfest was planned as a legitimate event or not. Based on the tone of the organizer's strongly-worded memo about the event's ticket policy, it sure feels like a scam. Then again, as a guy who's spent most of my professional life involved in planning, running and promoting events of all sizes, from the smallest trivia to a large convention, I know how easy it is for people to get in over their heads with a big idea, or in the case of OKCtoberfest, screwed over by their partners.

That being said, I do know this – Stillwater Balloonfest definitely invested in quality handmade signage:

See what I mean? Most festivals use boring vinyl banners for entry signage – not those 3D handcrafted beauties! Maybe that's what the problem was with balloonfest – the organizer spent too much time making signs, and not enough time booking for trucks, hot air balloons and pinatas.

Anyway, I guess we'll continue to follow KFOR's 24-7 coverage of this event and update you when needed. Stay with The Lost Ogle. We'll keep you advised.