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Ribbon Cutting for the Hot Air Balloon at the Kearney Area Children’s Museum
January 2, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Do you remember the hot air balloon that traveled up two stories at 2013 Avenue A? This balloon was the first major exhibit purchase by the Kearney Area Children’s Museum (KACM) Board of Directors in 1989. It served many museum visitors over the years, but for the past 20 years it has been in storage, needing extensive repairs. Through grants, donations, and invested time, the balloon is back and ready for lift-off at 5827 4th Ave!
The beloved balloon is a replica of the original balloon and showcases the original KACM logo, in red and blue. Thanks to Signs & Shapes International out of Omaha, new, high-efficiency air blowers were installed while keeping the original white and green metal base. Even though the current KACM building is only one story, the ceiling was opened up so the balloon can travel higher into the air. Children can press the button and watch the balloon expand and then lift into the air. The balloon is activated by a button that children operate.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the Baldwin Foundation, Kearney KENO Funds, and Union Pacific Foundation to help restore this balloon and are excited to bring this memorable exhibit back to the museum,” said Traci Winscot, Executive Director of Kearney Area Children’s Museum. “It’s been fun hearing the comments of adults remembering watching this balloon rise in the original location in downtown Kearney!”
Furthermore, 2019 marks the museum’s 30th birthday! Kearney Area Children’s Museum was founded as a non-profit, charitable organization with the goal of providing children interactive ways to blend learning and fun together. As KACM reaches this milestone, the organization is looking to the future to ensure the next generation of kids can play, learn, and grow at the Museum. The Board of Directors is asking individuals to consider partnering with KACM in celebrating 30 years of fun by helping us reach a fundraising goal of $30,000: 30 Years – 30 Days of Fundraising – $30,000 Goal. The fundraising campaign officially kicks off at the ribbon cutting event on January 2, 2019; but early donations will be accepted with gratitude.
Donors will receive recognition at the following levels:
– Level 1 $300-$1,299 – name displayed with other Level 1 donors on small plaque in the balloon exhibit
– Level 2 $1,300-$2,999 – name displayed with other Level 2 donors on large plaque in the balloon exhibit
– Level 3 $3,000-$9,999 – name displayed on own small plaque in the balloon exhibit and up to 10 tickets for our Feb. 9th Treasure Chest fundraiser
– Level 4 $10,000 and up – name displayed on own large plaque in the balloon exhibit, up to 10 tickets for Treasure Chest fundraiser, and special recognition at museum events in 2019 including exhibit ribbon cutting, Treasure Chest, and 30th Birthday Party
Your generosity will allow the Kearney Area Children’s Museum to continue to offer our community a safe and inviting place for children to play, learn, and grow.
The museum will hold a special ribbon cutting event on Wednesday, January 2nd at 10:00 am at the Alia Arram Memorial Building located at 5827 4th Ave. for those who would like to attend.
For more information contact the Kearney Area Children’s Museum at (308) 698-2228.
Do you remember the hot air balloon that traveled up two stories at 2013 Avenue A? This balloon was the first major exhibit purchase by the Kearney Area Children’s Museum (KACM) Board of Directors in 1989. It served many museum visitors over the years, but for the past 20 years it has been in storage, needing extensive repairs. Through grants, donations, and invested time, the balloon is back and ready for lift-off at 5827 4th Ave!
The beloved balloon is a replica of the original balloon and showcases the original KACM logo, in red and blue. Thanks to Signs & Shapes International out of Omaha, new, high-efficiency air blowers were installed while keeping the original white and green metal base. Even though the current KACM building is only one story, the ceiling was opened up so the balloon can travel higher into the air. Children can press the button and watch the balloon expand and then lift into the air. The balloon is activated by a button that children operate.
“We are grateful for the generous support of the Baldwin Foundation, Kearney KENO Funds, and Union Pacific Foundation to help restore this balloon and are excited to bring this memorable exhibit back to the museum,” said Traci Winscot, Executive Director of Kearney Area Children’s Museum. “It’s been fun hearing the comments of adults remembering watching this balloon rise in the original location in downtown Kearney!”
Furthermore, 2019 marks the museum’s 30th birthday! Kearney Area Children’s Museum was founded as a non-profit, charitable organization with the goal of providing children interactive ways to blend learning and fun together. As KACM reaches this milestone, the organization is looking to the future to ensure the next generation of kids can play, learn, and grow at the Museum. The Board of Directors is asking individuals to consider partnering with KACM in celebrating 30 years of fun by helping us reach a fundraising goal of $30,000: 30 Years – 30 Days of Fundraising – $30,000 Goal. The fundraising campaign officially kicks off at the ribbon cutting event on January 2, 2019; but early donations will be accepted with gratitude.
Donors will receive recognition at the following levels:
– Level 1 $300-$1,299 – name displayed with other Level 1 donors on small plaque in the balloon exhibit
– Level 2 $1,300-$2,999 – name displayed with other Level 2 donors on large plaque in the balloon exhibit
– Level 3 $3,000-$9,999 – name displayed on own small plaque in the balloon exhibit and up to 10 tickets for our Feb. 9th Treasure Chest fundraiser
– Level 4 $10,000 and up – name displayed on own large plaque in the balloon exhibit, up to 10 tickets for Treasure Chest fundraiser, and special recognition at museum events in 2019 including exhibit ribbon cutting, Treasure Chest, and 30th Birthday Party
Your generosity will allow the Kearney Area Children’s Museum to continue to offer our community a safe and inviting place for children to play, learn, and grow.
The museum will hold a special ribbon cutting event on Wednesday, January 2nd at 10:00 am at the Alia Arram Memorial Building located at 5827 4th Ave. for those who would like to attend.
For more information contact the Kearney Area Children’s Museum at (308) 698-2228.