FOLEY, Ala. — This year’s Alabama Festival of Flavor will be highlighted by a few Hot Air Balloons.

Thanks to the Foley City Council’s approval last week, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce will locate a select number of the balloons during the Oct. 18 food-centered festival set to take place in the streets of downtown Foley.

“It would strictly be a glow event that takes place in the evening,” Chamber President & CEO Donna Watts told city leaders.

The discussion of the proposal included the requirement that electrical wires not be hampered by placement of the balloons.

Although the Council gave the nod to the balloons, they denied Watts’ request to close U.S. Highway 98 for the festival. Discussion revealed that closing the street often draws complaints.

The discussion also touched on last year’s handling of traffic on US 98 during that inaugural 2013 FoF event.

Foley Police Chief David Wilson said that although the street was not blocked during last year’s festival, police officers were on hand to serve as crossing guards.

Watts said she understood the city’s decision.

“We can use some of the other streets adjacent to 98,” she said.

Watts added that this year’s festival will also include food-themed games.

“We have added a corn-toss tournament,” she said.

The discussion ended with the city leaders agreeing to consider closing 98 in the future, as Alabama Festival of Flavor continues to grow.