Up, Up and Away Over the Skies of the Plano Balloon Festival

Up, Up and Away Over the Skies of the Plano Balloon Festival

The 2011 Plano Balloon Festival gets underway Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th. Come see the colorful array of the hot air balloons floating gracefully across the Plano sky. Or watch the balloon fly-in competition where pilots compete by dropping a bean bag on a designated target at the festival grounds. The pilot closest to their target wins that competition.

I like to hang around until dusk and see the evening glow where the participating balloons will light up the evening sky. If you are an early morning person you can also see the glow in the dawn hours. Last year I was up early to snag a spot at a local site where the balloons can be watched launching for free. It is a beautiful sight to see as the air is filled with hot air balloons. Pictures seen here were taken from that location last year.

There is always something fun and exciting to see at the festival even if it’s standing in line for the ever popular funnel cakes. Cotton candy has been a childhood favorite of mine. You won’t leave hungry as there is a wide assortment of food items to be found. Other vendors will have on display a variety of arts and crafts for the shoppers delight. Entertainment will be held on the FOX 4 community stage and KLUV main stage.

The cost of a daily ticket is $5 and parking varies depending on which location you decide to park. DART is offering the “balloon flyer” option from the Parker Road Station. Buses will run continuously throughout the event’s operating hours. Additional information and details can be found on the Plano Balloon Festival’s official site.

Up, Up and Away Over the Skies of the Plano Balloon Festival!