Posted: September 21,
2006
All eyes will be on the skies this weekend as Plano, the official Hot
Air Balloon Capital of Texas, plays host to a multitude of hot air
balloons. A giant cow, smiling
sunflower, happy scarecrow and hollow tree will be intermingled with
traditional balloons of every color, while on the ground entertainment and
refreshments will provide non-stop enjoyment between launches.
For most persons, the actual size of the balloons is always
a surprise. The pint-size shapes seen
floating over the Plano landscape are actually gargantuan in size when on the
ground, guaranteed to draw both gasps and applause when seen by first-timers. At the Plano Balloon Festival spectators are up
close and personal for setup, inflate and launch, an unbeatable combination of
visual thrills.
Plano
skies have been filled with hot air balloons since 1980 and this year’s
ViewPoint Bank 2006 Plano Balloon Festival promises to continue the tradition of
ballooning excellence and family fun.
Balloon launch times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6pm, and
Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7am. Spectacular
balloon glows will be at 8pm Friday and Saturday. General admission is $5 per person for 1-time
admission and $8 per person for a day ticket, which allows one re-entry. $4 discounted admission is offered from 9am –
3pm with $1 off for Seniors (65 ) at any time. Children under 36 inches receive
free admission.
Prime parking locations are $10 per car, at First United
Methodist Church
(Parker/Spring Creek), Collin County Community College
(Jupiter/Spring Creek) and Oak
Point Recreation
Center (Jupiter/Spring
Creek). Plano Centre parking is
available at $5 per car. Parking
does not include admission fees.
Transportation to the Festival is available through the DART “Balloon
Flyer” bus at the Parker Road DART rail station, with busses running
continuously.
Entertainment includes the “Kid’s Fun Zone,” filled with
huge inflatables rides, rock climbing wall, face painters, petting zoo and much
more. The my 27 Community Stage at the
newly refurbished Oak Point Ampitheater will feature entertainment all
afternoon, with evening concerts. Mad
Science, dance and musical venues as well as the popular RE/MAX parachute team
will also be on hand. Craftsmen and
artists of all kinds will have booths for a unique shopping experience and
informational/educational booths will present a wide array of information, fun
and games.
Saturday evening will be highlighted by a spectacular
fireworks show and Sunday, from 7am – 7pm a Drum-A-Thon supporting the
Make-A-Wish Foundation will be held at the Oak Point Park Amphitheatre.
Refreshments abound around every corner and offered again
this year are the popular hot air balloon rides. Flights are offered on a first-come,
first-served basis, weather permitting and pilot’s discretion, at a cost of
$250.
Pets are strongly discouraged at the Festival due to the
large numbers of persons and the noise created by the balloon burners which
frighten most pets. Coolers are not
prohibited, but are also discouraged as food and beverage venues are offered on
site. Persons should dress appropriately
with sunscreen and blankets for ground seating encouraged.
Bring your family, bring your friends and bring your cameras
for a spectacular weekend of ballooning you’ll never forget! For complete information, maps, schedules,
featured balloons and more link into the 2006 ViewPoint Bank Plano Balloon Festival
by clicking here.