$5 gets you a balloon ride in Florida this weekend
Dozens of hot air balloons will float over the polo fields of suburban Lake Worth, Florida, USA this weekend, as part of a third annual fundraiser benefiting injured Marines in South Florida.
The “Built Ford Tough” Polo & Balloon Festival runs Friday through Sunday at the Gulfstream Polo Club.
Activities are scheduled at dawn and dusk, when wind conditions best allow the balloons to fly.
“It’s a real feel-good type event. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, everyone loves the hot-air balloons,” said Randy Russell, president of Polo America, which puts on the charity event.
And by coupling the balloons with polo, the festival exposes people to the sport who might otherwise never see a match, Russell said. Matches are scheduled Friday and Saturday evenings.
Friday night, festival-goers have the chance to float 100 feet into the air on a tethered balloon ride for just $5.
The rides were so popular last year, organizers ran out of propane gas, Russell said. So this year, only 350 rides will be sold with tickets going on sale at 5:30 p.m., two hours before the first lift-off.
Untethered rides are also available for $200 a person on Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday mornings. Rides can be reserved by calling 803-652-1181.
Early each morning, festival-goers will be able to walk among the balloons as they inflate to heights of six- or seven-stories tall. Then at 7:15 a.m., weather-permitting, the balloons will rise in mass ascension, with a special ride Saturday morning for 20 Marines.
All proceeds benefit the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund, which will use the money to aid local veterans in the region, Russell said.
“The Palm Beach Post” is among more than a dozen sponsors for the event.
IF YOU GO
What: ‘Built Ford Tough’ Polo & Balloon Festival
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 6:30-9 a.m. and 5-10 p.m. Saturday, and 6:30-9 a.m. Sunday
Where: Gulfstream Polo Club, 4550 Polo Road, Lake Worth, Fla.
Admission: Free with donation to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund
Information: Call 803-652-1181or log on to www.poloamerica.com/eventschedule.