By Becky Maxedon

The Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair presented by Anderson Toyota is truly a labor of love that returns so much to the community.

Wednesday, proceeds from the event were distributed to organizations and charities in Lake Havasu City.

Steve Ticknor, Co Executive Director of the balloon fest said Wednesday, “Today, we are doing a distribution from the five service clubs to the organizations and charities that the Balloon Fest proceeds go to support.”

There are three Rotary, one Kiwanis and one Lions club that facilitate the event every year.

“This year, $225,000 is being donated back to the community. It all stays in Havasu, with a grand total of just over $2.4 million in 15 years of Balloon Fest,” Ticknor said.

Another co-director, Taylor Harrison was on hand to help disperse the funds to the local recipients.

Non-profit recipiants clap as Taylor Harrison thanks them for all they do in Lake Havasu. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“You all know how valuable this is to our community, so let’s keep doing this! This is truly an amazing event for our community. Our thanks go out to all of you for all your help with this,” he said.

The next Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair presented by Anderson Toyota will be held January 21-24, 2027.