The weather should be all clear this weekend for the 3rd annual New Smyrna Beach Balloon & Sky Fest, presented by Bright House Networks. If you’ve ever wanted to go up in a hot-air balloon, here’s your chance! The festival will run Friday, April 8th thru Sunday, the 10th at the New Smyrna Beach Airport. If a hot-air balloon ride isn’t your thing, there are tethered hot-air balloon rides, as well as helicopter and airplane rides. Or, you can just watch the beautiful balloons and other festivities. There will be plenty of activities including live entertainment, radio controlled airplane performances, Pilots ‘n Paws fly-in dog rescue, American Martial Arts demonstration, the “Stirrup Some Dust” horse demonstration drill team, the popular BALLOON GLOW, a Kids Fun Zone, an air show and more! And, there will be over 100 vendors for your shopping pleasure.
The Kids Fun Zone features many free things such as slides and bounce houses, and a few items offered for a small fee such as pony rides and bungee-jumping. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University will be presenting an Education Zone where there will be some exhibits from NASA and the National Air & Space Museum, a Sonar game run, Robotics demonstrations, a Jet-powered dragster car, helicopter and airplane displays, and much more. The air show will feature a parachute and flag jump, a T-6 solo by the AeroShell Aerobatic Team, P-51 Mustang Aerobatics, and more. There will also be an informational Q&A session regarding Aeronautical-based careers.
Visit the website for additional information and schedule of events so you can plan your weekend accordingly. This event has FREE admission; however, there is a $5 charge for parking, and fees for some of the rides. Make sure to bring a blanket and/or lawn chair, and plenty of sunscreen.
Orlando Tourist Tip: Since the hot-air balloon rides are dependent on the weather, the morning sunrise flights ($199 per person) are your best bet. It sells out quickly so make your reservation ASAP at 386-424-2199.
