April 5th, 6th and 7th in New Smyrna Beach will be the home of the 5th Annual Balloon & Sky Fest… hosted by the Balloon and Sky Fest Foundation (501c3) of Central Florida.
This is a a full weekend of
Hot Air Balloon, Aviation and family activities and benefits the Boys &
Girls Clubs as well as other area youth organizations.
A wide-ranging event, with
a variety of activities, the festival features “Balloon Glows” Friday &
Saturday night, balloon passenger flights Saturday and Sunday morning and FOUR
world-class air shows (two night and two day shows) with dozens of warbirds on
static display; rides in helicopters, airplanes, a classic DC-3, and a WW II
B-25 bomber.
Kids will love the 2-acre
4-H Animal Encounter; a hands-on, up-close experience with a wide variety of
animals.
Under the watchful eyes of
the 4-H Club members - and an on-site veterinarian to ensure animal safety -
the animals will stroll, watch, interact, perform - and sleep - all weekend in
New Smyrna Beach. Kids of all ages will love this venue, and everyone
will learn more about Earth's living creatures.
Horses, ponies, goats,
sheep, geese, cows, plus birds of prey, amazing marine life displays and
old-fashioned hayrides for all to enjoy and pony rides for the youngsters, plus
a display of antique tractors.
Event Chairman Arlen Stauffer says… "This is a huge event for Central
Florida, and there really is something for everyone here."
"Inspiration Village is a place where NASA, Embry-Riddle,
our military, the Boy Scouts, and radio-controlled airplane experts will work
to entertain and inspire our visitors.
4-H Clubs from all over Florida are bringing their best animals to
Balloon & Sky Fest so there will also be two acres of animal fun!"
Other show highlights
include world champion Patty Wagstaff and the 300-mph jet school bus and we’ve
gotten word that the festival may even have a B-2 Stealth Bomber flying by each
day!
You, and your family will
share in special ceremonies honoring veterans during the air shows, shop with
hundreds of food, business and arts & crafts vendors; and enjoy live music
on stage all weekend.
Even the music has a little
something for everyone with musical genres from jazz, soul and soul, to Celtic
Folk, Country Western and even Ska, with “Teflon Don” of Orlando.
This is truly a world
class, airshow event, attracting visitors from all over the US, and the world!
In 2012, more than 40% of Balloon Fest attendees came from outside of Volusia
County. This is good to know for companies considering becoming vendors and
sponsors (Food vendors spots are sold out for 2013, but other slots remain avail as of publication date).
David Bart, Balloon Fest
Executive Director, points out… "For 2012, our economist calculated an
economic impact of our event at more than $10 million for this area.
People come from all over the country to take rides in our
balloons and, while they're here, thay also ride in a Vietnam-era Huey
helicopter, an original American Airlines DC-3 , and a World War II B-25
bomber!"
This is a true all-family
all-weekend fun festival.
If you’re coming from out
of town and looking for a great place to stay… New Smyrna hosts many excellent spots. Of course there is Moontide Vacation Apartments... 1-3 bedroom, luxury apartments with full kitchens for less than you'd pay for many hotels. Right ON the beach, Moontide will truly give your family a "home base" and the full beach experience.
Additionally, up the road in Daytona Beach, there is the 5 star, award winning August Seven Inn, a luxurious bed & breakfast, just a 10 minute walk from the beach.
Both Moontide and August Seven get booked up fast... so call now (use promo code "connections" to check for any special rates, if avail)... follow the above links to their websites.
For the New Smyrna Balloon Fest... Admission is just $5, and kids under 12, all Boys & Girls
Clubs members, and all Veterans get in free.
VIP Passes are available with lots of additional perks and amenities.
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