Photo: Kerry Clark and Brad Thompson from the Balloon Rally committee at the merchandise trailer you can find each night on Main Street.
By JOHN ANDERSON
The Great Wellsville Balloon Rally is a free event at Island Park the third weekend each July since 1975. The 2024 event launches are Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in Wellsville and Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 a.m. in Wellsville.
There is a parade the weekend before, a week full of events, vendors all day on Main Street on Saturday and plenty of food and vendors at the park Friday and Saturday as in addition to a launch, there is an afterglow and music.
To keep the rally free, community sponsors step up and a lot of merchandise is sold.
Without the sales of shirts, hats and other items, the rally would not exist. Brad Thompson, The rally committee was looking for a vendor who could do unique items and provide an online store.
They found both thanks to Stitched Ink through the Arc Allegany Steuben.
“My wife (Debbie) is on the board for the Allegany Arc, and when they merged to make the Arc Allegany Steuben, she learned about Stitched INK,” said Brad Thompson. “Stitched INK can do screen press which lasts a lot longer. They also make our stitched hats. Other vendors had to have the hats made outside of their company. But they also set up our website which is live now (click HERE) and you can order merchad. There are things we don’t sell on Main Street or at the site like hoodies and coolers on the website as well.”
Thompson added, “Without t-shirts, the rally would not exist.”
The Balloon Rally merchandise trailer is open on Main Street almost every night before it moves to the park for the rally on Friday, July 19.
Chris Koehler, Director of Business Operations for the Arc Allegany Steuben, explained, “Stitched INK, a Social Enterprise business established by the Arc Allegany Steuben, is a full-service custom apparel decorating shop specializing in screen-printing and embroidery services.
“Operating from Bath, we provide high-quality, customized apparel solutions to a diverse clientele, including businesses, colleges/universities, government, and community organizations. More than just a business, Stitched INK provides career employment opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who would otherwise face barriers to traditional employment,” he added.
Koehler has been instrumental in helping with employment for residents who use the many services provided by the Arc. This fits in to many of the exciting and unique jobs Koehler has helped secure.
“For the past 33 years, our passion for creativity, unwavering commitment to quality, and dedication to customer service have set us apart as a premier destination for apparel screen-printing and embroidery services,” Koehler said.”
Stitched Ink has a motto, “Empower your brand while empowering lives through job creation for people with IDD!”
After a tour of the facility in Bath, Brad Thompson said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Stitched INK for all or our 2024 Great Wellsville Balloon Rally apparel. Not only does this partnership ensure high-quality apparel products for our attendees, but it also allows us to contribute positively to our community by supporting a socially responsible business.”
Koehler added, “By choosing Stitched INK, the Wellsville Balloon Rally Committee underscore a commitment to promoting inclusivity and supporting business that truly makes a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD (Intellectual and developmental disabilities) Every purchase of 2024 Balloon Rally apparel directly contributes to sustaining jobs for people with IDD. We take tremendous pride in the quality of our apparel decorating services and are so pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to such a long running and beloved community event.”
See the photos of the rally committee visiting Stitched INK and photos of some of the items you can order online:
From left, Stitched INK’s Business Manager Rebecca Shutt, Deb and Brad Thompson, Mark and Chris Wiedemann and Associate Director of Business Operations Christina Leasure.
Christina Wiedemann of the Balloon Rally committee checks out the detail from the operation a screen-print press.
The Stitched INK team from Arc Allegany Steuben with the visitors from the Wellsville Balloon Rally committee.
Stitched INK’s mission: Stitched INK is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, championing diversity, and promoting equity for people with IDD. We believe there is dignity in employment and that a job can profoundly impact not just financial security, but personal growth and a sense of purpose. We are opening doors to a future where everyone can reach their full potential.
https://wellsville-balloon-rally-2024.itemorder.com
