Hot air balloon festivals celebrate ballooning with mass launches, rides, night glows, parades, dances, food, and other events. Festivals can range from a few balloons to over 100, and may include wine, art, music, and charity fundraising. Some festivals are held in conjunction with other events, such as fairs or music festivals.
A hot air balloon festival is a celebration of ballooning and all that it entails, including mass balloon launches and hot air balloon rides. Festivals can range in size from a few hot air balloons to more than 100, and the duration of the festivals ranges from a few hours to several days. Often, a hot air balloon festival includes events such as night flares, balloon ascents, and fireworks displays. Events also typically include parades, dances, and food.
The night glows from the balloons are an amazing festival attraction at many festivals. The balloon burners are turned on to light up the balloon so that it glows and looks like a giant floating ornament. The annual White Sands Balloon Invitational in White Sands, New Mexico begins with a sunrise balloon launch and features a balloon glow approximately 30 minutes after sunset.
Wine, art and music are just a few of the many attractions that can be featured at a hot air balloon festival. The Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival in Omaha, Nebraska showcases award-winning wines. The Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine and Music Festival features wine tastings, lawnmower competitions and an antique car show.
A larger balloon festival is the European Balloon Festival. Held every July in Igualada, Spain, it features nearly 60 balloons. The four-day hot air balloon festival is one of the largest in Europe and also offers festival-goers the opportunity to fly in a hot air balloon.
Sometimes a balloon festival is used as a fundraiser for a charity and features activities designed to generate money for the organization. Proceeds from the annual Huff n Puff Balloon Rally in Topeka, Kansas will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The event features a mass balloon launch and tethered rides, as well as a workshop for fourth through sixth graders. The lab teaches children how balloon operators control balloons, the physics of how hot air rises, and provides the ability to make and fly miniature balloons.
Often, a balloon festival is held in conjunction with another event, such as an annual fair or music festival. The Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft and Music Festival in Quechee, Vermont features entertainment and arts and crafts from local artists. The Patterson Apricot Fiesta and Balloon Meet in Patterson, California features a parade, baking contest, and Little Mister and Miss Apricot contest. Hot air balloon racing is another event that is often part of a hot air balloon festival.
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