DOWNLOAD THE OLEAN TIMES HERALD MOBILE APP NOW!
Big 30 Baseball All-Stars: Genesee Valley/Belfast’s Davenport is Pitcher of the Year
SCAN THE QR CODE
community
JULY
17 2026
allegany
FREE
to begin reading the Olean Times Heald on your mobile device.
PAGE 2
county
Alfred • Allentown • Alma • Andover • Angelica • Belfast • Belmont • Bolivar • Caneadea • Ceres • Cuba • FilLmore • Friendship • Genesee Houghton • little genesee • portville • richburg • Rushford • Scio • shinglehouse • Ulysses • Wellsville • west clarksville • Whitesville
Sun, sky and sand: 49th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally is July 17-19 registered to take off at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday during mass launches. Thompson said that while the tried-and-true pilots and balloons will be present, Keith Sproul from Airborne Adventures of Munnsvill will also be back. For the last several years his dragon balloon, Scorch, has towered over the site dominating the rally skyline and enchanting children and adults alike. “I don’t know how many special-shaped balloons are coming
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The 49th annual Great Wellsville Balloon Rally, which got its start in 1975, will launch at 6 p.m. Friday. Brad Thompson, who has helmed the event for the last 16 years, said the rally will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year in 2027. The discrepancy in dates, he noted, is because of the fair-weather event had to completely cancel the festivities a couple of times over the years. “We were completely rained out one year and during the COVID pandemic we were mandated by the state to cancel
Photos by Kathryn Ross Three hot air balloons are nearly ready to launch for the opening of 2025’s Great Wellsville Balloon Rally.
the Rally,” he said. With this year’s event just around the corner, the committee is already making plans for its 50th anniversary, Thompson said. But this
year isn’t in the dark yet — there are some highlights the crowd at Lagoon Field in Island Park can look forward to. There are 30 balloons
Balloon Rally continued on PAGE 4
The special-shaped hot air balloon Scorch towers over the Rally — and this year owner Keith Sproul promises a surprise.
Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade kicks off big week BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Participants celebrated the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally and America’s 250th anniversary in Sat-
urday’s parade with red, white and blue balloons and patriotic displays. Nearly 100 separate units marched or drove down Main Street after the Sons of the Legion
On Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Library lawn, Terry Buchwald will perform as the King of Rock an’ Roll (Elvis) at Music On the Lawn and on Saturday more than 100 vendors and organizations will take part in the Main
Street Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prior to the launches, the Rally site includes a midway with food vendors. A fireworks display will take place after dark on Saturday. Rally admission is free.
Steps Dance Studio decorated with stars.
Photos by Kathryn Ross Girl Scouts decorated a float with red, white and blue balloons for the July 11 parade in Wellsville.
will be open next to the police station on South Main Street. Throughout the week check out the progression of artist Eric Jones’ sand sculpture at the Lagoon Field Rally site.
Motorcycle group rolled by. This annual event, taking place since 1999, ushers in events leading up to Friday night’s Rally launch. All week long, the Balloon Rally Store
See Our Insert for More Savings!
Scio’s 1917 vintage firetruck.
1 day SALE!
FAMILY PACK!
Save up to $3 00
Saturday July 18th While Supplies Last!
PER LB.
Fresh! 399 Ground Lean Ground Chuck
Save up to $2 30
PER LB.
269 Pork Rib Chops Center-Cut Bone-In
PER LB.
PER LB.
FAMILY PACK!
FAMILY PACK!
FAMILY PACK!
STORE MADE!
Below Sale Prices Effective July 17 - July 23 FAMILY PACK!
Save up to $2 30
Save up to $3 00
PER LB.
169 Chicken Wings
PER LB.
Save up to $2
Grade A Fresh Whole
PER LB.
2
‘n Tender Boneless 99 Fresh Sirloin Pork PER LB.
Chops
2
A Boneless Skinless 99 Grade Chicken Breast PER LB.
48 oz. • Several Varieties
4.5 - 5.3 oz. • Several Varieties
BUY 1 GET 1
BUY 1 GET 1
FREE!
FREE!
PER LB.
1
99 Grade A Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1
PER LB.
PER LB.
99 Country-Style Pork Ribs PER LB.
Seedless Red or Green
Grapes 99
1
Gatorade
8 Pack • 20 oz. • Several Varieties
798
10.1 - 14 oz. • Several Varieties
BUY 1 GET 1
FREE!
12 - 16 oz. • Several Varieties
BUY 1 GET 1
FREE!
CUBA • 72 GENESEE ST • 585-968-2333 WELLSVILLE • 44 PARK AVE • 585-593-3354
Thomas’ English Muffins or Bagels
12 - 20 oz.• Several Varieties
Ore-Ida Fries or Potatoes
19 - 32 oz. • Several Varieties
Busch or Busch Light
Nestle Drumsticks 4 Count Bomb Pops 12 Count
30 Pack • 12 oz. Cans
399
$14.99 after $5 digital rebate $19.99 minus $5 = $14.99
12 - 21 oz. • Several Varieties
100% Natural, Pasture Raised Pre-Cut Whole Boneless
2FOR$5
PER LB.
10FOR$10
799 Beef Strip Loin PER LB.
Shredded or Bar 8 oz. • Several Varieties
Barilla Pasta
PER LB.
Save up to $300
Save up to $2 00
Dutch Farms Cheese
Kraft Deluxe or Velveeta Dinners
299 Italian Sausage Bulk Mild or Hot
PER LB.
Tenderloins
Friendly’s Ice Cream Oikos Greek Yogurt
00
1499
Plus Deposit
2FOR$7
Fresh Express Salads
5 - 11 oz. • Several Varieties
198