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Balloon Stunts and Chautauqua Celebrations | Lexington News
In 1902, Lexington turned Woodland Park into the epicenter of summer spectacle with the Kentucky Chautauqua Assembly—a ten-day Fourth of July festival packed with lectures, music, and jaw-dropping stunts. Daredevil Professor Frank Deivey, flying a leaky, patched balloon, drew massive crowds with risky ascensions and parachute jumps, while brass bands and slide shows entertained the masses. By 1905, the vibe shifted: playgrounds, organized sports, and gender-inclusive basketball replaced wild aerial feats, signaling a move toward structured, decorum-driven fun—all while keeping the park as the…
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