PRE-EVENT

6:30 am 

Balloon Launch

Enjoy an early morning liftoff as some of the balloon pilots participating in the festival will take to the skies for a morning launch. Limited full flights available. The community is welcomed to come out and enjoy the launch.​​​​ Note: There is no admission charge to view the balloons in the morning. The festival does not open until 12 noon, when admission of  $15 per adult and $5 per children kicks and the other activities begin.

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11 am - 12 pm - Registration for Hot Rides & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show (Saturday)

Download Registration Form 

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12 - 8:30 pm (exact times of each activity will vary)

Gates Open - Games, Arts & Crafts, Informational and Non Profit Vendors, Food Trucks, Music - Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the shows (please leave pets and alcohol home)​​​​

​Vendor Application

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​12 - 3 pm 

(Saturday)

Band TBD ​

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​12 - 3 pm 

(Sunday) 

Band TBD ​

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12 - 5 pm (Saturday, with rain date Sunday) 

Hot Rides & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show 

Registration from 11 am - 1 pm. Top 10 Participant Judged Trophies  / People's Choice Trophy / Best of Show Trophy, Awards Ceremony 5pm. Download Registration Form and Details here.

100% of registration fees will go to the Fred Grotenhuis Memorial Scholarships. Fred was a Vietnam Veteran and the founder of the original balloon festival in Warren County.

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1 - 5 pm

See Spot, the robot dog, in action as he takes a stroll around the walking trail. Ask questions and learn more about the Drones & Robotics program at the College WarrenUAS tent.​​​

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1 - 7 pm

Games, Games, Games

Games & Game Tickets (Some Game are Free)

($) Soccer Darts • Gel Blasters  • Bounce House • Ride on Cars • Photo Booth

(Free) Mini Golf, Tee Ball, Rocket Ready, Crafts at Fascination Place​

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1 - 7 pm

Fascination Place Kids' Activity Area

Mini Golf, Fun Puzzles, Games, Crafts and more.  All free for children visiting the festival. 

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1:30 - 4:30 pm

Rocket Ready

Experience the sheer joy and excitement of creating and launching your very own rocket!

Children aged 4 to 94 can participate in this FREE activity with guidance from Mission Control.

We will help you step by step as your rocket soars into the sky to create lasting memories. Learn more about having Rocket Ready at your special occasion here.

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​2 - 5 pm (Saturday)

Strolling - Dulcimers 

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​​3 - 5 pm (Sunday)

Strolling - The Road Less Traveled Barbershop Quartet

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3 - 5 pm Na'Bodach Celtic band

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4 - 6 pm 

Learn Circus Tricks with Grins & Grins. One of our more popular activities (and it's free) - kids, big and small, learn how to juggle and other fun tricks.

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4:30 pm (tentative start time)

Tethered Rides (weather permitting) $30 per adult $20 per youth ages 4-12 (Ages 3 and under free with paying adult and at the discretion of the pilot. No infants or toddlers) Proceeds benefit the Fred  Grotenhuis Memorial Scholarships. (fredgscholarships.org)​

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5 pm 

Hot Air Balloons inflate & depart the field (may be delayed as late as 5:45 pm if it is windy.)

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5 - 6 pm 

The Pro Kids Holiday Vocal Troupe 

These professional working kids & teens share their incredible voices and harmonies with the community and charitable organizations, for festivals, children and senior events, and more throughout the New York City tri-state area.​​​

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6 pm 

Meet the Pilot - Kids! Learn what it is like to be a hot air balloon pilot! Ask any questions you always wanted to know the answers to. Hop in the basket and the pilot can show you how it works!

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6 - 8:30 pm  Take a Mini Flight Lesson. Book your 25 minute spot here. You will take the controls, after some instruction, with pilot and instructor Penny Christy. Tethered between 25-30 off the ground, you will learn how to make it go up and make it go down and keep it level.  Check back for booking info.​

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6 - 8:30 pm

Dance Party with DJ Gold'N. Kids especially will enjoy this dance party where they can win prizes and get their glow bracelets to light it up the Balloon Glow when night falls.

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7:30

As the night falls, be ready for the Balloon Glow 

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​Mixing some patriotism with the Freedom Fighter hot air balloon, and a popular holiday with Fred G Monster special shape balloon.. This special shape balloon is amazing to watch as it transforms from a blob of green material into fangs, tentacles and antennas. Little kids that dare can get up close and personal, and collect some Halloween candy from Fred G, if they promise not to pull any mischievous pranks!

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*About Tethered Rides. Times on Tethered Rides are general and will be delayed if it is too windy. Once we begin, they will continue until the line is finished or weather prohibits. Tickets will be sold at the Balloon Ride Tent, once we have a general start time. We recommend not purchasing your non-refundable tickets before the balloon begins setup, which will be when the weather conditions safely allow.

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A note about your attendance and our preparations.

Balloons fly when the winds are most calm, which is in the evening about two hours before sunset. The balloons generally cannot be inflated in the afternoon.

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If you are looking for instant gratification, balloon festivals are not for you! Balloon inflations happen in the evenings when there is less wind. Sometimes we have to wait. Sometimes we can't inflate at all. Please keep this in mind, and plan your visit accordingly. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs to enjoy a nice day in the country (leave your pets and alcohol at home). Walk and explore the 1.2 mile walking trail on the campus. Take in the beauty of the campus and our country surroundings. 

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We know it is upsetting when the balloons do not go up, but we invest and work hard to provide other entertainment and activities. Additionally, we plan balloon ground shows to both demonstrate what strong winds can do to the balloons. Our pilots are always willing to answer questions once we open up the field for spectators.  But if the balloons do not go up we still need to pay our bills! Portajons, tent rentals, insurance and other entertainment  do not become free in that case! Therefore there can be no refunds if the balloons do not fly.  

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