Adirondack Balloon Festival — Photo courtesy of Nicole Levesque - Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls, NY is the largest and oldest on the east coast, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a 4-day event taking place September 20th through the 23rd. Named one of the top 100 events in North America, it attracts balloonists from all over the world. Over 150,000 are expected to attend this free event that's open to the public.
Check the schedule for locations of different events over the weekend. At the Opening Ceremonies in Crandall Park, a special birthday cake-shaped balloon will be launched thus commemorating 40 years of this festival, followed by more balloons in the sky, a block party, kids' events and a fireworks show.
Special Shaped Balloons at Adirondack Balloon Festival — Photo courtesy of Eileen Sarasin Ruel - Adirondack Balloon Festival
On Friday, for the first ballooning day, held at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in nearby Queensbury, a craft fair and food vendors will be at your disposal following the launch of 80-plus balloons, including some that are uniquely shaped. Your kids will love seeing everything from bees to butterflies to a "purple people eater" taking off.
That night in Battlefield Park in Lake George, a Moon Glow will take place at the lake. This is a spectacular sight: balloons are tethered on the ground and are lighting up the night sky with the help from the pilot's blasts of propane. A fireworks show brings the evening to an exciting close.
Saturday brings a "Big Balloon Breakfast" at the Airport Hangar, followed by more ballooning events, musical performers and another Moon Glow that evening.
The final morning salute to the event's founder, "Walter's Mass Ascension," a flight of 100 balloons, makes for an appropriate ending for this non-profit organization, which has received national attention and accolades from the Weather Channel, Food Network and even the New York Times.
Donations are accepted for parking, with a fee for VIP parking. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a perfect event for your family. Bring plenty of film and enjoy the playful and colorful skies.
