Pilot Joseph Gingerich, left center, shows Kennedy Berdine, center right, how to operate the flames on a hot air balloon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA — Glow on the O took off on Saturday at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna with a packed crowd to enjoy community, friends and hot air balloons.

The event featured 10 hot air balloons from across the region and offered information on the craft of piloting a hot air balloon. Additionally, there was a performance where the hot air balloons glowed to music played by a DJ. The songs ranged from classic country music to children’s songs like “The Chicken Dance.” A special part of the event allowed attendees to walk up to the balloons, take photos and ask questions to the pilots.

According to the Friends of Vienna board, this is the first glow event in the region

Glow on the O was free to attend for anyone in the community and began at 3 p.m. The event was brought to the area by the Friends of Vienna, a local group dedicated to giving back to the local community.

“I hope everyone who comes out just enjoys the weather and has a great time,” said Carrie Rapp, a member of the group’s board. “Celebrating the community, witnessing (a) first-of-a-lifetime event here in Vienna.”

Hot air balloons inflate Saturday during Glow on the O at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

While the sun was still up, Friends of Vienna offered other events to entertain the community. This included live music from DJs, inflatables, a raffle and a pumpkin design contest.

The pumpkin contest was divided into categories by age: 7 and under, 8-12 and 13-17. The winner for the 7-and-under category was Maddox Mason, Srikar Chanamolu for 8-12 and Carter Boutwell for 13-17.

For those who didn’t decorate their pumpkins prior to the event, there was a station full of free pumpkins to paint and decorate. At that station, Aimee Cunningham shared her excitement for Glow on the O.

“(I get) enjoyment … every staff member from Vienna, even the mayor is just so personable, loving and caring,” she said. “You don’t get that at all the events you go to.”

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.

Attendees decorate pumpkins at Friends of Vienna’s Glow on the O event Saturday at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

From left, Srikar Chanamolu, Friends of Vienna President Jack Mathers, Carter Boutwell and Maddox Mason celebrate winning the pumpkin design contest at the Glow on the O festival Saturday at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Gwen Sour)