Hot air balloons to color East County skyline

EAST COUNTY — Even though it was 10 years ago, Brian Wiggins still remembers his first time riding in a “hot air giant.”

Wiggins coasted more than 1,000 feet over Albuquerque, N.M., during a hot air balloon festival similar to the one he organized for East County this year.

“It was a great experience, flying high like that,” Wiggins said. “There’s nothing like it.”

The Florida Balloon Festival will take place Oct. 3 through Oct. 5, at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd.

(The event is unrelated to Florida Winefest & Auction’s Florida Wine and Balloon Festival, which was held in April 2013 at the Premier Sports Campus.)

Certified commercial balloon pilot Bill Whidden will operate the 10 multi-colored hot air balloons, which can each seat up to four individuals at once.

Admission costs vary, and proceeds benefit Food Bank of Manatee and the Humane Society of Manatee County.

The event will feature music and entertainment by the Del Couch Music Education Foundation and the Sarasota International Dance Festival, along with games for children and other activities throughout the weekend.

The Food Bank will serve dinner under a tent Friday night before the main event — the Balloon Glow.

“At sunset, the balloons will be tethered to the ground and filled with cold air,” Wiggins said. “At the same time, balloon pilots will ignite their burners — hot blasts of air that make the balloon rise — the balloons’ colors have a glow against the dark sky.”

The balloons will also appear to sway to music, as balloon operators take turns igniting their burners. One of the songs the balloons will move to comes from the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”

A Wild Wild East Barbecue will feature country music and a cookout Oct. 4. Suncoast Food Trucks will also be on-site with a range of food options for patrons.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for more comfortable outdoor seating.
Each day, participants will have a chance to ride in one of the hot air balloons.

Flights typically last between 45 minutes to an hour. The balloons descend naturally, by the release of air, Wiggins explained.

A chase car follows the balloons to ensure occupants and the pilot land safely.

“I hope this festival will be an amazing experience,” Wiggins said.

IF YOU GO
Where: Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
Cost: Prices range from $5 to $95
Parking: Premier Sports Campus
Info: floridaballoonfestival.com or 1-800-661-0823.

Balloon Glow Dinner (Oct. 3)
4 to 8 p.m. — General admission
5 to 8 p.m. — Balloon Glow Dinner
7 to 8 p.m. — Balloon Glow

Balloon Festival/ Wild Wild East Barbecue (Oct. 4)
7 a.m. — Saturday morning balloon launch
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. — General admission
5 to 8 p.m. — Barbecue
7 to 8 p.m. — Balloon Glow

Morning Glow and Ascension (Oct. 5)
7 a.m. — Morning glow and ascension (weather permitting)
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — General admission
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Grand Sunday brunch

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].