This year, Binghamton celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally at Otsiningo Park, and what a weekend it was! The event drew record-breaking crowds.

In 1983, a few families in Binghamton sparked the first flames of what would become the iconic Spiedie Fest tradition. Their friendly arguments over who had the best spiedie recipe led to the inaugural Spiedie Fest Cooking Contests which then led to the festival as we know it today.

In 2001 the festival received a prestigious nod from the Library of Congress with a Legacy Award. Today, a special Spiedie Fest display graces the walls of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Not stopping there, in 2005, the festival was honored as one of the top 100 Destinations in the U.S. by Destination Magazine.

The 40th-anniversary celebration this year kicked off on Friday night as Shaboozey, DJ Aydamn, and Niko Moon took the stage, setting the tone for an epic weekend. Saturday night was all about country superstar Chris Young, who had everyone singing under the starry sky. Sunday brought a fantastic performance by multi-platinum star Justin Moore who closed out the weekend on a high note despite battling illness.

In addition to the concerts, there were circus acts and Jack Hanna's animals, wrestling matches, and even an appearance by the legendary Trish Stratus and so much more.

Car buffs got their fix at the car show, foodies indulged in delicious treats, and craft vendors added their touch of artistry to the mix. And of course, the hot air balloons added a sprinkle of magic to the event.

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The 40th anniversary of Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally showcased its status as a loved tradition. Each year, it continues to bring joy and excitement to our community as well as visitors to our community, solidifying its special place in the hearts of all.

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