Salem MO Spectacular 2024: A Triumph of Collaboration and Community Spirit

Submitted by Melissa Dubois, Parks and Recreation Director | City of Salem

The Salem MO Spectacular 2024 event showcased the incredible power of collaboration, the strength of smalltown spirit, and the hard work of local businesses and residents. This first-time event was born from a simple idea but turned into something truly remarkable, drawing over 4,000 attendees and leaving a lasting impact on the community. What started as a suggestion from a local husband-and-wife chiropractic team has evolved into an annual tradition set to grow even bigger next year.

From Idea to Reality: The Power of Community Collaboration

The journey to the Salem MO Spectacular began with an idea from local business owners Dr. Tyler and Dr. Samanth Parsons, the dynamic team behind Parson’s Chiropractic. Known for their expertise in chiropractic care, including leading the charge in Alpha Gal therapy, the Parsons are deeply involved in the Salem community. They donate to local teams, host events, and generously give their time to causes that benefit the town. Their commitment to supporting Salem is evident in everything they do.

When they approached the Salem Parks and Recreation department with the idea of hosting a community event at one of the local parks, they saw an opportunity to collaborate in a way that could benefit both Parsons and the city. The original idea was great, but the proposed location might not fit best. Instead of shutting down their idea, it was suggested to work together, combining the strengths of Salem Parks and Recreation with the energy and vision of the Parsons to create something extraordinary.

From there, the partnership took off. In just two months, the team turned a spark of inspiration into a fully-fledged event like nothing Salem had ever seen—a Hot Air Balloon Glow with over 50 vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

The Power of Partnership: Bringing It All Together

Collaboration was key to making this event a success. By joining forces with local businesses, sponsors, and vendors, they were able to create an experience that was both exciting and accessible for everyone in the community. Here’s a look at how the event came together:

Securing Vendors and Sponsors: In just a short time, they pulled together 54 vendors, 10 food trucks, and six hot air balloons—something the small town had never experienced before! The community’s response was overwhelming, with more than 20 local sponsors stepping up to help fund and support the event. Their generosity made it possible to keep the event affordable for attendees while ensuring it was a high-quality experience.

Publicity and Promotion: They worked hard to spread the word, utilizing local channels like Facebook ads, the Salem Area Chamber, local newspapers, and larger regional radio stations. Clearly, this event would attract a crowd, and the advertising efforts paid off, as they saw a huge turnout from locals and visitors.

Engaging Activities for All Ages:

While the hot air balloons were the showstopper, they wanted to ensure something for everyone. Families were treated to free activities like a bounce house, kiddie train rides, and professional face painting. The activities helped create a festive atmosphere that welcomed all ages and made the event even more enjoyable for families.

Vendor and Gate Fees: They introduced small vendor and gate fees to keep the event sustainable and help fund future events.

This was critical to ensuring the event’s success and setting the stage for the Salem MO Spectacular’s future growth.

A Spectacular Success

The result of all this hard work? Over 4,000 attendees gathered in one place, enjoying a vibrant mix of food, fun, and spectacular sights. The hot air balloons lit the night sky in a stunning glow, creating memories that will last a lifetime for all who attended.

The success of the Salem MO Spectacular 2024 was a testament to what can happen when a small town comes together with passion and purpose. From the original idea sparked by the Parsons to the collaboration of local businesses, volunteers, and parks and recreation staff, this event showed the power of working together to create something extraordinary.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Salem MO Spectacular

The Salem MO Spectacular was a resounding success, and they are already working on making next year’s event even bigger and better. With lessons learned, more community support, and a growing network of partners, they are ready to watch the event “glow” in 2025 and beyond. They can’t wait to see what the future holds for this one-of-a-kind celebration that brings Salem together and shines a spotlight on everything the amazing town offers.

As they look ahead, they’re excited and grateful for the many people and organizations who helped make this dream a reality. This event wasn’t just a celebration of their community; it was proof that they can achieve something spectacular when a community comes together and supports each other. Just watch them glow! 