This Friday kicks off the 38th year Plano will be privy to all the awe and wonder that a sky filled with vibrantly colored, giant balloons brings. The 2017 InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival continues its family-friendly tradition of fascinating crowds on September 22-24 in East Plano’s Oak Point Park.
Returning favorite balloons include Joelly the Baby Bee, Betty Jean the Butterfly, Tomcat, Bimbo Bear, Pirate Parrot, Humpty Dumpty, SpyderPig and the always popular High Jack — just to name a few.
A $5 admission offers all the bubblegum-colored balloons your heart desires, but that’s not all. Surrounding the beauty of 40 larger-than-life balloons, there are plenty of sights, sounds and – of course – enticing smells from vendors and local entertainment around the festival grounds. Catch a concert on the KLUV Main Stage, marvel at the RE/MAX of Texas parachute team jumping from a plane onto the launch field, shop early for your holiday gifts at artisan booths, nosh on a turkey leg (or two) and bliss out on funnel cake. The event is alcohol-free so families with even the youngest of children can indulge in everything this award-winning festival has to offer.
If you are feeling adventurous, experience what it’s like to lift off by taking a tethered balloon ride and floating 20-30 feet above the ground. Tickets for the rides can be purchased onsite with cash only, and the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12 years old.
Given the delicate nature the hot air balloons, pilots closely monitor the wind and weather conditions of the day to ensure the safety of every launch. If the wonderfully unpredictable Texas weather doesn’t provide the perfect setting for the balloons to set sail, festivalgoers have no need to fret. Pilots, with their inflated balloons tethered to the ground, fire up their burners for a gorgeous glow at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. And on Saturday night, expect the sky to be ablaze in a spectacular firework show.
With so much to see, don’t forget your blanket or your camera. You will want to capture every moment. Visit the Balloon Fest website below for the full schedule, ticket prices, parking info and more.
More views of the Plano Balloon Fest / photos Jennifer Shertzer, Tim Sporcic and Nicole Forzano:
Plano Balloon Fest Website > [codepeople-post-map]
