Tomorrow is the first day of the 13th Balloon Festival, one of Lake Havasu City's biggest events of the year. If you're interested in attending, here are five things you need to know before attending the four-day event.
Balloon Fest Director Steve Tickner said there are several new things about this year's event. This includes a location for the carnival, which Tickner said will make room for bigger and better rides.
Several new attractions have also been added to the event roster, including Saturday's BMX bike demonstration and performances by various Las Vegas bands.
2. Attractions and activities
In addition to the carnival and balloon watching, the event will feature numerous booths selling food, arts, crafts, and other items along the rows of food stalls. Some of the vendors are companies, while others are individuals selling homemade products.
Nonprofits and other organizations will also have booths. The Western Arizona Humane Society will have animals available for adoption, and the museum will have his J-2 gyroplane on display.
Activities and entertainment include concerts, classic car displays, children's activities, 5k and 10k, dance performances, and more. A complete list of activities can be found on his Balloonfest website.
3. Parking and entrance fees
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the main gate and general admission is $20 for those 18 and older. His daily price for Gondola VIP tickets ranges from $25 to $65 and includes one parking pass, one wristband, VIP tent, cash bar, and access to breakfast and dinner that day. Once purchased, the admission wristband can be used throughout the event. If you have purchased tickets in advance, you can pick them up over the phone.
Parking is available in 3 off-site locations and along London Bridge Road at London Bridge Plaza. The three off-site parking lots are at Pima Wash, Mojave Community College and Lake Havasu High School football field.Shuttle will be running between the parking lot and the festival entrance, Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 6 a.m. to noon.
Overnight parking for RVs is also available at three sponsor venues, with shuttle service to the event. Prices are $200 for Lots 1 and 2A and $300 for Lot 3C. Two entry wristbands are also included.
4. Good weather is expected
John Adair with the National Weather Service said temperatures this weekend will be in the low 70s and clouds will increase as the storm brings a 20% chance of rain Sunday. Winds are expected to remain calm Thursday and Friday, staying below 16 mph, then increase slightly on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickner said the weather outlook is optimistic, which hasn't been the case in recent years. Pilots also monitor the weather and decide each morning whether it is safe to climb. Tickner said he expects the warmer weather will draw a larger crowd than last year.
5. Events support the community
Funds raised from ticket sales go back into the community. Mr Tickner said the event was held to support local charities and was run entirely by volunteers, including himself. About 1,200 volunteers are helping run the event, and most of the spots are filled. Tickner said assistance may be needed even if volunteers cancel, and those interested can stop by the volunteer tent outside the event gate starting Wednesday.
