Mallory Ingram’s Art Chosen for 2025 Balloon Festival

OBA Staff • January 10, 2025

Discover more of Ingram's work at The Piddlin' Farm online

Mallory Ingram

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Mallory Ingram of Robertsdale, Alabama, has been named the winner of the 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival poster design contest. Her artwork will serve as the official poster for the 2025 festival, which will be held May 1-3 at OWA Parks & Resort. In addition, Mallory’s design will feature prominently on the festival’s official t-shirt and other merchandise.


A Baldwin County artist, Mallory is best known for her pet portraits and paintings that celebrate homestead living. Her art is deeply inspired by a passion for slow living and a sense of nostalgia, which she weaves into each piece. Outside of her creative work, Mallory spends her time with her husband and two children, enjoying the outdoors, gardening, and tending to her family’s homestead, The Piddlin’ Farm. Through her artwork, she seeks to honor traditional ways of life and encourage others to find beauty in the simplicity of everyday moments.

21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival official poster design, Artist - Mallory Ingram

Official posters and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival or through the website, gulfcoastballoonfestival.com


You can find more of Mallory Ingram’s artwork on her
Facebook, The Piddlin’ Farm, or Instagram, @thepiddlinfarm


The 21st Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take place at OWA Parks & Resort from May 1-3. The event will kick off on Thursday and Friday evenings, running from 4 to 9 p.m., and continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.


The festival promises a weekend full of family-friendly entertainment, including arts and crafts vendors, food options, live music, and the highly anticipated return of the Disc-Connected K9s dog show. Highlights also include balloon glows and tethered rides, both weather permitting.


Additional details about the event can be found at www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Second Straight Month of Falling Home Prices in Baldwin
By OBA Staff June 8, 2025
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County home prices dropped for the second month in a row, according to the latest data from Baldwin REALTORS®. Both residential and resort markets saw lower average prices compared to last year. Homes also stayed on the market longer. Fewer properties were sold in some areas.
Free Mental Wellness Platform Now Available for All Alabamians
By OBA Staff June 8, 2025
A new online tool is now available to help Alabamians improve their mental wellness. CredibleMind, a free digital platform, offers personalized self-care resources to anyone in the state. It aims to close the gap between those seeking help and the shortage of mental health professionals. The program is completely anonymous, easy to use, and available right away.
LuLu Gribbin with Governor Ivey during the signing of LuLu's Law
By Jessica A. Taylor June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Lulu Gribbin's nearly fatal shark attack, I could hear children laughing and playing with their family pets in the background, negotiating who gets to toss the ball next. “Are you done with your noodles” cried out the father, Dr. Ryan Forbess of Orange Beach, Alabama. Apologizing for the noise and distractions, he explained, “We are packing up to head out in the morning—back to the same place, actually.”
Orange Beach High School Star Gains Attention at University of Alabama
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach High School freshman Lee Steele is starting to make waves in the basketball world. The 6-foot-6 player had a standout day during a visit to The University of Alabama. His skills and work ethic caught the attention of head coach Nate Oats and his coaching staff. Observers say Steele is playing his best basketball yet.
Gulf State Park to Host Three-Day Shark Fest Event
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again host Shark Fest, a popular summer event focused on marine life. The event takes place at Gulf State Park’s Saltwater Pier and offers hands-on activities for all ages. Guests will learn about Gulf Coast sharks through interactive exhibits, expert presentations, and up-close encounters. This year’s event promises more excitement, learning, and family-friendly fun.
Expect Excellence Brings Rock Hits to the Stage
By OBA Staff June 7, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A high-energy rock show is returning to Orange Beach this summer. The Expect Excellence Music Department will perform “Dream On – A Tribute to Classic Rock” for three nights, June 26 through 28, at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.
CoastAL Orange Beach Becomes Diamond Sponsor for Orange Beach City Schools
By OBA Staff June 6, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — CoastAL Orange Beach has stepped up to support education. The local business was named a Diamond Sponsor for Orange Beach City Schools. This is the highest level of sponsorship available. It means students will benefit across academics, arts, and athletics.
Baldwin County Teens Join City of Foley as Summer Interns
By Guy Busby June 6, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — High school students from across Baldwin County are getting a chance to learn how local government works. They will do this through a new internship program with the city of Foley. This is the first time Foley has offered this opportunity. The city introduced the first group of interns at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 2.
Gulf Shores Post Office Hosts Passport Fair June 7
By OBA Staff June 6, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Summer is a great time to travel and see the world. Unfortunately, many people do not have a passport when the opportunity arrives for international travel. Some citizens think that the paperwork is too much of a hassle. The USPS actually makes the process easier by holding Passport Fairs within local locations throughout the US. One such place is the Gulf Shores Post Office.
Two Vehicle Wreck Near Foley Claims Orange Beach Woman’s Life
By OBA Staff June 5, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALES) is reporting that an Orange Beach woman died after a two-vehicle crash late Wednesday morning near Foley. The accident happened on South Hickory Street near Baldwin County 20. The ALEA said the crash involved a Chevrolet pickup and a Jeep SUV. Troopers are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Show More