31st Annual Jamesville Balloon Fest

Location(s)

I attended last year’s Balloon Fest for the first time, by accident, when my friends and I decided to spend a day at Jamesville Beach Park. Upon arrival, we were surprised to see the park packed and bustling, and even more spectacular, to see the green lawn covered with an expanse of bright colors. Balloons were laid out as far as the eye could see, ready to be filled with hot air and take off, one after the other in a beautiful air parade.

We explored the festival and enjoyed the park while we waited for the balloon flights to take place later in the evening. Traditional carnival games and rides were set up throughout the park, as well as booths of local vendors and crafters. We spent some time on the beach, then grabbed some festival food (funnel cakes and corndogs, yum!) and wandered over to the main stage to listen to the live music. Picnic tables were available, but most families had brought their own blankets and lawn chairs to camp out in the sunshine.

When we heard the announcement that the balloon launches were about to begin, we made our way back to the lawn, where the crowd had already gathered in anticipation. The roar of fire filled the air as the first balloons began inflating, and children ran up to pounce on them while they grew larger on the ground. To me, the most amazing part of this event was that onlookers could get as up close and personal with the humongous balloons as they wanted! I stood with one family who was going to be taking a balloon ride, and took pictures right underneath their basket as they lifted off and waved goodbye. What a spectacular view! I walked among the field of balloons and they all began to be filled and more took off every minute. By the end, there was a beautiful parade in the sky – the first balloons to take off got smaller and smaller on the horizon as the most recent ones followed their lead. Soon, they were nothing but specs of color floating in the distance, illuminated by the lingering summer sunset.

If you go for no other reason, I can’t emphasize enough how stunning it was to see the hot-air balloons in action. Each year, there are different designs and shapes, each unique and creative in their own way. However, the whole festival is a fun time for the entire family, and a lovely way to spend a summer day in Jamesville.

Event Hours:
Friday 4-10pm; Saturday 11am-10pm; Sunday 11am-9pm
Balloon Flight Times:
Friday 6-7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday 6am & 6-7:30pm (weather permitting)
Balloon Glow:
9pm nightly (weather permitting)
Entertainment/Music Hours:
Friday 7-10pm; Saturday 2-10pm; Sunday 1:30-8:45pm

Admission: $5; Kids 10 & under free (includes all concerts)
Free Parking
Need More Information? Call (315) 435-5252