See more than two dozen hot-air balloons race, glow and hover at the annual Arizona Balloon Classic at its new location at Goodyear Ballpark this weekend.
“We’re the only successful and continuous hot-air balloon race and festival in the Phoenix metro area with flying balloons and balloons that glow," says Tim Matykiewicz of Arizona Events Group. "We feature a Street Food Fest, kids and family activities, more than 75 retail and food vendors, music, fireworks and more.”
New this year is the Street Food Fest. More than two dozen vendors will sell everything from sweets to Chinese food. Guests can find snacks such as donuts, shave ice, cupcakes and funnel cakes. They can also get a full meal including fish and chips, lobster, Mexican food, barbecue, chicken and waffles, pizzas and Greek food.
Along with enjoying the sight of so many colorful balloons in one place, event goers can take a tethered balloon ride. Passengers go up to a low altitude while the balloon remains tethered to the ground. Full-flight balloon rides also will be available.
Tethered balloon rides can be purchased at the event but full-flight balloon rides must be scheduled in advance through Aerogelic Ballooning (www.aerogelicballooning.com), and they cost $195 per person.
The Family Fun Zone will have plenty of inflatables for the kids to enjoy and there will be a Fly Wire Zip Line for 300 feet of fast fun.
See a spectacular sight of all the balloons lit up at once during the evening. The Desert Glow will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Saturday night there will be fireworks after the glow at 7:45 p.m.
There will be Hare and Hound balloon races all weekend. The designated Hare balloon takes off first and the Hound balloons follow. The Hounds chase the Hare to a target, then the Hounds drop markers to the ground. The closer the marker is to the target, the more points that Hound receives. The Hound with the most points wins.
Paul Olguin has participated in Hare and Hound races either as a balloon pilot or crew member for about the past six years. He will take part this year, too.
“It is difficult because winds change,” he says. “But we have had markers that land right in the center of the target. I have had a marker land three feet from the target.”
Olguin says points are given only for markers that land within 100 feet of the target. He says usually about half of the competitors get within 100 feet.
Along with food vendors, there will also be about 20 merchandise vendors selling things such as books, candles and bath items.
Arizona Balloon Classic
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. 7-10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28.
Where: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.
Admission: $15, $7 for seniors and veterans, free for active military and children 12 and younger. $5 for parking.
Details:abcfest.com.
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