Every year, our family looks forward to the Lehigh Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. The balloons, the food, the music — it’s all part of the tradition. But for us, one of the biggest highlights has always been stopping to watch Mr. Mysterrio perform. He wasn’t just another entertainer. He was the moment our kids looked forward to the most. So, when we found out he wouldn’t be there this year, we felt a real sense of disappointment.
We understand that festivals change from year to year, and we know the organizers decided not to book entertainers this season. But it still feels like something important is missing. For many families, Mr. Mysterrio wasn’t just a festival magician — he was part of the festival’s heart. His show brought people together in a way that made the event feel warm, welcoming, and full of life.
Our kids would run ahead just to find where he was doing his magic act. They’d stand right up front, eyes wide, waiting for the first trick. And every year, he remembered them. He made them feel special, like they were part of the magic instead of just watching it. That kind of connection doesn’t happen often, especially in a busy outdoor festival where everything is loud and fast‑moving and we stand around waiting to see if the hot air balloons can even go up. Somehow, Mark made the festival feel personal.
One of my favorite memories is from two years ago. Our youngest was shy and didn’t want to participate in anything. But when Mr. Mysterrio invited her to help with a trick, she slowly stepped forward. By the end of the show, she was laughing, smiling, and talking about it for days. That moment meant more to us than any balloon launch (which actually didn’t happen that year.) or fireworks display. It was the kind of memory you carry with you long after the festival ends.
That’s why it feels strange knowing he won’t be there this year. The festival will still be beautiful, of course. The balloons will still rise, the crowds will still gather, and the excitement will still fill the air. But for families like ours, it won’t feel quite the same without the magician who made our kids feel seen, included, and celebrated.
We don’t blame the festival — decisions like this happen. Budgets change, schedules shift, and sometimes entertainment gets cut. But we do hope that in future years, the organizers will consider bringing him back. The Lehigh Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival is already a magical event, but Mr. Mysterrio added a kind of magic that balloons alone can’t create and we won’t be returning to the Lehigh Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival until Mark Mysterrio does.
Until then, we want other parents to know that even though he won’t be at the festival this year, his show is still very much alive.You can find him at Becky’s Drive In and other festivals. If you’ve ever watched your child light up during one of Mark’s performances, you know exactly what I mean. And if you haven’t, you should. The same warmth, humor, and excitement he brought to the festival can be part of your child’s birthday, school event, or community celebration.
We may not get to see him at the festival this year, but the magic doesn’t have to stop. If you want to bring that joy to your own event, you can reach out to him directly. Call 1‑872‑21‑MAGIC or email mrmysterrio@yahoo.com to check availability.
For our family, he’ll always be part of what made the festival special. And we hope someday, we’ll see him back where he belongs — making kids laugh under the glow of rising balloons.
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