PC’s nighttime sky will be lit up with the glow of hot air balloons’ burner flames.
The musical group The Fifth Dimension’s 1967 hit “Up-Up and Away” had everyone adding a ride in a hot air balloon to their bucket list.
If lifting off the ground in a wicker basket suspended from a nylon envelope being filled with heated air via a propane burner sounds like a fun thing to do, then you’ll want to attend the Plant City Balloon Festival, coming to the Strawberry Festival grounds, located at 303 N. Lemon St., on Fri., Oct. 21 and Sat., Oct. 22. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Twice each evening, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., the Night Glow and Laser Show will showcase towering hot air balloons’ burner flames, high-powered lasers and pyrotechnics all synchronized to heart-pumping music to light the night.
“This event is such to be an epic experience and fun for the entire family,” said Hot Air Balloon Management director Jeremy Kwaterski.
In addition to balloon displays, the event will feature a vendors market, food stalls, live music, a kids’ zone, magicians, jugglers, roaming entertainers and other festival experiences.
Advance ticket prices are $22 for adults and $10 for kids age six -17. (plus processing fee) Kids five and younger are free. Ticket prices at the gate will be $30 for adults and $15 for kids aged six – 17. Fast pass tickets are $50 per person, which gives the holder the right to go directly to the front of the line on all rides (this is not a ticket for any of the rides, it’s simply a fast pass to avoid the lines). Rides are an additional charge. General parking is free. VIP and handicap parking is available.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to make yourself more comfortable but no outside food, beverages or alcohol is permitted.
If you want to check a tethered balloon ride off your bucket list, the cost is $25 per person.
For more information about the Plant City Balloon Festival visit www.balloonshows.com. To purchase advance tickets visit www.freshtix.com/events/plantcityballoonfest.
