Hot air balloons may fill the sky in Waterford, WI

Ever wonder how those big, bright hot air balloons manage to float so gracefully over the countryside, or what it takes to pilot one of them?

There’s a festival in Waterford next weekend where the curious can not only find the answers to such questions, but get an up-close-and-personal view of the majestic balloons.

The Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for a third time July 19 and 20 on the grounds of Waterford’s Evergreen Elementary School. And this year’s event will offer more in the way of educational opportunities, as well as its traditional visual entertainment and activities, according to Kathy Gellendin, chairwoman for the 2013 festival.

The weekend will open with a variety of options on Friday afternoon/evening — from helicopter rides to a balloon launch and “glow,” live music, kids’ activities, square dancing and more. Many of those — along with a car show, stage activities, a craft show, pilots meet-and-greet, and more — will get going again early Saturday morning and continue throughout the day, offering something for just about every taste.

Eighteen different balloons from throughout the Midwest will be featured in launches on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather-permitting (festival ends with a 6 a.m. Sunday balloon launch). And if there is just one thing you don’t want to miss, it would be one of the night-time balloon glows, Gellendin said, which are scheduled to take place at 8:15 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

During a glow, the balloons inflate and are lighted from within — like a giant light bulb. Described as “breathtaking” by those who have witnessed them, glows are often a favorite event at hot air balloon festivals.

A few lucky people will also get to take a hot air balloon ride during the festival, if they win the weekend’s raffle. The raffle’s grand prize is a balloon ride for two, which will take place during the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Waterford Chamber of Commerce (or at the festival) for $5 each or $20 for five, and the drawing will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. If the ride can’t be scheduled this year, due to weather conditions, the ticket will still be valid next year, Gellendin said.

Platinum and gold-level festival sponsors will also receive balloon rides. The tethered balloon rides, which were offered in years past, will not be available this year, according to Gellendin.

Beyond the balloons, this year’s fest also offers an expanded children’s area, featuring a flight simulator, a rock-climbing wall, a Lego robotics exhibit, a petting zoo and bumper boats for the youngest crowd. Bouncy houses, face painting, emergency vehicles on display and other traditional kids’ activities will also be available. And for young sports enthusiasts, there will be an official NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition. Advance registration is required for the competition and can be done via the website at www.waterford-wi.org.

Festival-goers are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and stake out a balloon-viewing spot on the open grounds. “There’s not a bad seat in the house,” Gellendin said.

Because it takes place on school property, however, no pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed at the event, she said. “It is all about family.”

Since its inception, the Hot Air Balloon Festival — created from the vision of Waterford residents David Ross, Kathy Lester-Ross and Jim Phillips — has grown to an annual event which drew an estimated 20,000 people to the area last year, according to organizers.

“There are a lot of people who all pull together to make this happen,” Gellendin said.

via – 77-square.