CINCINNATI — The LaRosa's Balloon Glow at Coney Island is back Saturday for the holiday weekend after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The event features more than a dozen hot air balloons lit up for the holiday festivities. There will also be live music and entertainment with a fireworks show put on by Rozzi's Fireworks over Lake Como.

Coney Island will also keep its pool open later than usual until 9:30 p.m. and the pool area open until 11 p.m. so people can watch the firework show poolside in a lounge chair.

CINCINNATI —

The 54th annual Summerfair Art Show and competition runs at Coney Island through Sunday.

Summer is back with a renewed sizzle. The post-COVID-19 season is painting the landscape in a familiar glow. Thousands like Sherry Sturgill and Skylar Vernon are enjoying the show and the artists, but also the chance to be outside and show off their smiles.

“It’s extremely special because we haven’t been out. This is our first outing since Covid,” Sturgill said.

After months in quarantine, thousands made their way through Coney Island, browsing the artwork of Summerfair, basking in the warm tones of summer.

“I’m glad to be out of the house with my family,” Vernon said.

Artists like Pauline Sullivan Everett said this summer season is a special renaissance. Everett called it a new birth in this new normal.

“I’ve been in the studio for 18 months because of the quarantine,” Sullivan Everett said.

Artist Richard Borden said the collage of people is a living canvass inspiring new work that he has missed.

“We actually never saw a crowd like we saw when the gates opened, and everybody was excited to be out of the house,” Borden said.

Jane Utter has been the long-time director of Summerfair. Last year, the show was a drive-through experience. This year, she was excited to welcome guests in person.

“It is fabulous to see smiles again," Utter said. "Everybody has been hiding behind their mask.”

After over 50 years with the show, Utter knows art when she sees it. She said this summer, she sees art all around.

“We’ve got the art, we’ve got the food, we’ve got the entertainment and the crowd is just wonderful," Utter said.

Summerfair runs through 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults. Children under 12 are free. All proceeds support local artists and scholarships.