January 28, 2026
Copy by Caroline Tallmadge Pledger
Photos by Shoshiana Vang
What started as a humble community balloon festival is now one of Northwest Arkansas’ most anticipated summer traditions, a tradition that brings families together for a weekend filled with color, music and food, all while raising money for Open Avenues.
SOAR Northwest Arkansas is an annual fundraiser put on by Open Avenues, a non-profit that works to empower people with disabilities to reach their individual and professional goals. The organization was established in 1975 and offers life-and-work skills training, on-site job placements, supported employment in the community, a high school transition program and transportation assistance.
The first SOAR NWA, hosted in 2019, was held at Drake Field in Fayetteville but soon outgrew the venue’s 10,000-person capacity. This cap limited the attractions the event organizers could put on.
In 2023, SOAR NWA moved to the Benton County Fairgrounds, where it has been held ever since. According to Open Avenues Chief Development Officer Kelly Sampson, the new space has allowed the event to offer attractions like hot air balloon rides, live music, a car show, a Kid Zone, food trucks and more.
“Our goal is to keep adding new attractions each year, so the experience feels fresh while keeping the balloons as the signature staple that makes SOAR NWA unique,” Sampson said.
While the festival features many fun attractions, the SOAR staple is hot air balloons. Bill Kinser and his wife Tiffany Kinser have volunteered to run their own hot air balloon for the past three years. Bill is the balloon’s pilot, and Tiffany is his crew chief.
Growing up, Bill’s father was a balloon pilot, and he said he always hoped to follow in his dad’s footsteps.
“I’m proud to be part of the ballooning community,” Bill Kinser said. “It’s a very small group of aviators. Our balloons bring joy to the community and I’m glad I get to contribute to that.”
Tiffany shared a similar sentiment and said she loves to share the sport with members of the NWA community.
“It’s magical to see the looks on people’s faces when they see all the balloons lit up during the glows,” Tiffany Kinser said.
Organizers said they hope SOAR NWA will continue to grow as an annual tradition, bringing families together while expanding awareness and support for Open Avenues’ work.
“We want to deepen the connection between attendees and the mission of Open Avenues, so when people come for the balloons, food, or music, they also leave with a greater awareness of how their support creates life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities,” Sampson said. “Ultimately, we’d love for SOAR NWA to be both a celebration of community and a catalyst for inclusion.”