Things to Do in Glens Falls NY > Adirondack Balloon Festival - September 22 - 25, 2011
The Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls NY is by far one of the most exciting and unique events around. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a delight to perennial visitors, passerbys and locals alike happening the weekend of September 22 - 25, 2011.
The balloon festival features the launch of dozens of balloons, all brightly colored and many in fun and special shapes. Visitors can walk inside half-inflated balloons, watch riders prepare for the flight, and see the exceptional sight of air balloons taking off from the ground nearby, one after another, and floating into the sky.
The Opening ceremony is held Thursday, September 22nd
in Crandall Park, Glens Falls NY. Spectators can gather to watch over 12 balloons take off into the sky, as they kick off the festival.
Then stick around, Glens Falls will celebrate with a Downtown Block Party & Classic Car Show. This event will start at 6:30pm and take over all of Glen Street with classic cars, kids events, music and much more!
(NOTE: there will be street closings in Glens Falls)
Over the weekend, more than 60 balloons take to the air all at once and the entertainment on the ground equals the spectacle in the sky. Breakfast is served, civic organizations provide food and water on site, activities are available, and entertainment is provided - all on top of two separate launches, with nearly one hundred balloons filling up and taking off for the viewing of the groundlings.
2011 Schedule of Events:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND
Crandall Park - City of Glens Falls
4:30- 6:30pm: Performance by Stony Creek Band
5:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies - Tribute to Walter Grishkot
5:15 pm: Launch of “Yankee Sunrise” balloon with American Flag followed by launch of 15+ balloons
Glen Street- Downtown Glens Falls, NY
6:00- 9:30 pm: City of Glens Falls Block Party featuring Walk-about balloon, balloon baskets on display, car show, kid’s activities and FIREWORKS!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD
Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport - Queensbury
3:00 pm: Gates Open, Craft Fair and Food Vendors open for business
5:00 pm: Balloon Launch – 70+ balloons including special shapes
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH
Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport - Town of Queensbury
5:00 - 11:00am: "Big Balloon Breakfast" - Airport Hanger
6:00 am - 7:00 pm: Food vendors open for business, Craft Fair with 30+ vendors, Kids activities
6:30 am: Flight of 85- 90 Balloons, including special shapes
2:00- 5:00 pm: Performance by Jonathan Newell band
5:00 pm: Flight of 85- 90 Balloons, including special shapes
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport - Town of Queensbury
5:00 - 11:00 am: "Big Balloon Breakfast" - Airport Hanger
6:00am - 12:00 pm: Food vendors, Craft Fair with 30+ vendors, Kids activities
6:30 am: Flight of 85- 90 Balloons, including special shapes
8:00 am: Catholic Mass in the Entertainment tent
10:00 am: Protestant Sunday Service in the Entertainment tent
Crandall Park - City of Glens Falls
2:00 - 5:00 pm: DJ with Music
5:00 pm: Launch of 20+ Balloons
The Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls is free to all, and events are weather-permitting. Be sure to bring your camera, because every year there is a photo competition, with awards for first through fourth place, grand prize, kids categories, and honorable mentions. When is the next time you're going to see so many balloons in one area? Why, the next time you come to the Adirondack Balloon Festival, of course!
PLEASE NOTE: ALL BALLOON LAUNCHES SCHEDULED ARE WEATHER PERMITTING. Please check with the official Adirondack Balloon Festival organization if you are unsure about weather conditions and their effect on the festival.
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