07/17/2026
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!
Window Decorating Contest to Celebrate
Old West Balloon Fest 2026 – August 10-15, 2026
(GERING, NE) The Old West Balloon Fest Committee and the Scotts Bluff Area Visitors Bureau are excited to announce the annual Window Decorating Contest, held in celebration of Old West Balloon Fest 2026.
Old West Balloon Fest is a cherished time for our communities to come together, and this year we are inviting everyone across the county to help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visiting pilots from across the country. Businesses, organizations, and non-profits are encouraged to participate and help bring the spirit of flight and community pride to life through creative window displays.
This year, we’re changing things up and opening the doors even wider for creativity with our “Adopt A Pilot” themed contest. Participants are encouraged to “adopt” a visiting pilot and design their window display inspired by their assigned pilot’s name, hometown, aircraft, or personality—turning each display into a unique story that connects our community with those who take to the skies.
Participation in the contest is completely free. After pilot registration closes on July 15, 2026, each participant will be assigned a visiting pilot to “adopt” for their display.
From there, simply choose your favorite hot air ballooning motif and tailor your window design as a creative tribute to your assigned pilot. This is your opportunity to get creative and have fun—consider incorporating elements such as lights, patriotic accents, innovative or recycled materials, bold and bright colors, and even 3-D objects to bring your window to life. Let your imagination take flight.
Your assigned pilot will be notified of your location and may choose to visit your window display for photographs or to receive a special memento you have selected to share as a welcome gift. While this offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with visiting pilots, it is not required in order to participate in the contest.
There will be four juried categories for this year’s contest:
1. Best “Patriotic” Theme
2. Best “Business Spirit”
3. Best “New” Window (for participants who have never entered in the past)
4. Best “Creativity and Use of Objects”
Windows may be decorated at any time after participants receive their assigned pilot name and must be completed by August 6, 2026.
All businesses participating in the Window Decorating Contest are asked to register by emailing [email protected] with the name of the business and business address.
Winners will be notified, and contest results will be announced to media outlets on Monday, August 10, helping to kick off Old West Balloon Fest 2026. Ribbons will be awarded to winners in all four categories and the “High-Flyer Award for best Design” will win a balloon flight (weather permitted)
Depending on the number of participants, one business may be assigned and represent more than one pilot.
The Gering Merchants Association, Scottsbluff Downtown Business District, and the Mitchell and Morrill Business Districts are encouraged to lead the way by engaging their members and promoting participation in the Window Decorating Contest. This community-wide effort will help warmly welcome pilots, crews, visitors, and hot air balloon enthusiasts as they arrive in our communities for August 10–15.
