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Back in 1983, a couple of families got together and argued over who had the best Spiedie recipe in Binghamton. And so was born Spiedie Fest.

Now, if you don't know what they are, Spiedies are small pieces of marinated meat (lamb, chicken, pork or beef) that can be skewered and then grilled. To put an end to their friendly rivalry, the families held the first Spiedie Fest Cooking Contests in 1983 and 1984. After a successful contest in 1984, a small committee formed and it was decided to create the first Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally at Otsiningo Park with about 5 hot air balloons, some local music and a small children's area. The goal was simple, to host a safe, fun, affordable event that our community would be proud of.  The first year 4,000 people showed up.

Fast forward to present day and Spiedie Fest has grown to over 100,000 in attendance last year and although the fest has exploded, the philosophy remains the same as it was in 1984: provide a safe, fun and affordable weekend for our community.

98.1 The Hawk is proud to be part of the 2013 Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally and extremely excited to welcome LeAnn Rimes on  Saturday August 3rd at 5pm!

Daily admission to Otsiningo Park the park is $8 each day, but this does NOT grant access to the concert area. To enter the concert area (like, if you want to see Leann Rimes), a button must be bought.  Buttons are on sale now at Weis Markets, Cost Cutters, Can Man and here.

The 2013 Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally will take place on August 2nd from 2pm to dusk, Saturday August 3rd from 6am to dusk and Sunday August 4th from 6am to dusk at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton. Proceeds will benefit local community charities. Did I mention that since the first Spiedie Fest over $1,000,000 has been donated to organizations and causes right here in the Broome County area?  Not too shabby!

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