Ballooning Festivals
Over the past couple of decades, ballooning festivals have flourished
in Vermont. The ballooning is often just the anchor for wide ranging
festivals that offer entertainment, food, crafts and more, and the
four listed here draw large crowds every year. In other words, make
reservations early if you want lodging anywhere near the festivals
when they are happening.
Stoweflake Balloon Festival
Running July 12-14 in 2002, the Stoweflake
Balloon Festival is in its 16th year at the Stoweflake Mountain
Resort & Spa (in Stowe). This annual event features music,
food, acitvities for children and sunrise and twilight launches
of some two dozen balloons. Balloon rides can be purchased (see
the site for more information) and the nominal admission price
enteres you in a raffle for the chance to win a balloon flight
and other prizes.
Quechee Balloon Festival
Located a couple of miles from the famous Quechee Gorge in
the village of Quechee (town of Hartford), the Quechee
Balloon Festival is in its 23rd year. In addition to twenty
balloons launching at dawn and in the evening, this festival
features a wide range of entertainment (ex. music, clowns, puppeteers)
and a sizable (fifty vendors) craft show. You can even enjoy
a classic car show on Sunday. The Quechee Balloon Festival runs
every year over Father's Day Weekend, which occurs June 14-16
in 2002. |
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Lake Champlain Balloon Festival
The Lake
Champlain Balloon Festival is probably the largest balloon festival
in the state. It features over thirty-five balloons launching each
morning and evening, and hosts a variety of other activities, such
as children's amusement rides, a renewable energy show, food vendors,
entertainment and skydiving exhibitions. Those hanging out late Friday
night (rain date Saturday night) will even be treated to a fireworks
display. The Festival will not be held in 2002, but will return in
June 2003, at the Addison County Field Days Site in New Haven.
Experimental Balloon Meet
The Experimental
Balloon Meet is a yearly get-together of the Experimental Balloon
and Airship Association at the Post Mills Airport in Post Mills. This
meet features three days of launches of homemade, experimental and
ultralight hot air airships, gas balloons and gas airships. While
the meet was not held in 2002, it normally meets every May.
