WAYLAND, Mich. — The fourth annual Wayland Hot Air Balloonfest is returning to benefit 4 One 2 Cares, a Wayland nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Nissa Smith is the founder of the event and said after losing her mother to suicide a few years ago, she knew she needed to do something to help other families in need.
"We don't talk about depression and mental health as being a disease that can be curable and can be helped and people are afraid to speak up when they're struggling," Smith said. "I lost my mom to suicide 17 years ago and I started fundraising for another nonprofit at that time that's a more national nonprofit and had always wanted to do something that was more local, where I could have an effect on those in our local community."
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Michigan. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die from suicide every year. It’s also the fourth leading cause of death amongst 15 to 29-year-olds.
Smith said it’s important to check in on your loved ones and know the key signs to look out for.
“Changes in behavior that you notice, maybe that there are signs where they've reached out certain keywords, you know, the asking for help and just check on your friends,” said Smith.
The festival will be held on Sept. 6 and 7 at Calkins Field at 3755 S Division.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Friday with a vendor show, food trucks and live music performances.
On Saturday, there will be a memorial walk to remember those the community has lost to suicide.
Funds raised from the walk will go towards supporting people who have lost someone, or who might need help getting the care they need.
The registration fee for the walk covers a ticket to the Balloonfest.
Over the last four years, Smith has been able to raise more than $50,000 to support those in need of help.
Smith said through her fundraiser, she wants to give people hope and she encouraged the community to come out to the event.
“I want to let everyone know that it's okay to not be okay, that there's people out there for you, there's community resources that are there to help. I want to spread the awareness of the 988 number as well. It's okay to talk about it, you know, like there's other people going through the same things that you are," said Smith.
There will also be a car show, a vintage baseball game, an inflatable fun run, a pilot meet-and-greet and more live music on Saturday.
Hot air balloons will take flight on both Friday and Saturday.
Tethered rides begin at 5 p.m. each night. Balloon launches will start at 6:30 p.m. and the balloon glows will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Hot air balloon flights and glows are weather-permitting.
Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. There will be free bottled water provided.
A full schedule of events for both days can be found here.
Those interested in volunteering can find more information here.
Tickets to the festival can be purchased online here or at the gate.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has resources for those in need of support. You can find that information here.