The Kilgore Fire and Police Departments will be the headlining entertainment at this year's 'Baseball, Balloons + Root Beer' event at Driller Park in Kilgore. This is the fourth year for the event, which serves as a welcome reception for the pilots and crew of the balloons that will be in town next weekend for the Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview.

The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce President says,

Last year this event brought thousands of people to the park including residents and visitors. We are extremely excited this year due to our past success and the addition this year of the "Guns & Hoses" (baseball) game."

The baseball game isn't the only draw during the event; there will also be children's activities, food concessions and music around the park with the fire and police departments battling it out on the diamond for bragging rights.

Then around dusk the hot air balloon pilots will light up Driller Park during the balloon burn. The balloon pilots will set up their hot air balloon baskets, light up the burners and light up Driller Park!

This is a ticketed event, but very affordable. A $2 ticket may be purchased at select locations in Kilgore or available at the gate on Wednesday, July 22. Activities will begin around 6 p.m. and will conclude with the balloon burn.

More From KKTX FM