Although swift winds prevented hot air balloons from being inflated at the Holiday Balloon Glow Friday evening in Wildwood, the overall festive spirit still soared from the large crowd.  Sponsored by Wildwood Business Association members, the second annual event attracted hundreds of people and dogs of all ages.

Attendees could take a photo from the basket of a balloon, aglow from the operators firing up the burners. Or, visitors could pose for a photo with Santa Claus for a $5 donation, with proceeds benefiting the Wildwood Family YMCA's Strong Family Campaign. The Strong Family program assists with membership costs, physical therapy, financial seminars, interview seminars, kids with special needs, and summer camps for families with financial constraints.

Wildwood Mayor Tim Woerther thanked all attendees for braving the brisk weather to gather in Town Center.

Local band members called Scarlett Tanager played a variety of holiday songs, such as White Christmas, interspersed with custom written tunes. Band members include:  Susan Logsdon, vocals and guitar; Michael Logsdon, various instruments and vocals; Josh Shepherd, guitar; Jordan Wahl, keys and vocals; Matt Davidson, Drums; and Dustin Lee, Bass.

After the band played, traditional caroling and religious songs were led by choral members of Living Word United Methodist Church.

Wildwood Family YMCA Vice President Michael Gavosto said the organization was blessed to have such an event to assist their program.

"We wouldn't be able to do the things we do as a nonprofit without the support of the community," he said.

Michael McIntyre, lead pastor of Living Word United Methodist Church, blessed the event and said church congregants were glad to be part of the Wildwood community and were happy to share their music ministry at the balloon glow.

Wildwood Business Association sponsors for the event include:

• Living Word United Methodist Church
• Legends Financial
• State Farm/Mikel Garrett
• St. Louis Community College-Wildwood
• Electro Savings Credit Union
• Nationwide Insurance/Kendra Schoen
• West Newsmagazine
• Ballwin-Metro West Rotary Club
• Cherry Hills Family Eye Care
• 212 Degrees of Wellness
• Holly Ferris, realtor/Keller Williams
• Patch Eureka-Wildwood

Additional volunteer groups for the event included:

• City of Wildwood
• Lions Club of Wildwood
• Devereaux Home Repair 
• 4-Legged Kids, Inc.
• KO Photography