The 7th annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held June 17-19 at the Foley Sportspark (about 12 miles north of Gulf Shores on Highway 98). The weekend is filled with colorful hot air balloons, music, special events in The Children’s Village, and shows performed by the Disc-Connected K-9’s World Famous Frisbee Dogs.
The weekend kicks off with Tanger Outlet’s pre-festival family fun and music at 3:00 p.m. and display of hot air balloons and children’s entertainment at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. Children will receive free glow necklaces and bracelets. The festival grounds open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 17.
The Balloon Glow and flight into the festival grounds will take place at dusk on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. Competition flights into the festival grounds will be at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Of course, hot air balloons are very dependent on appropriate weather conditions, so balloon schedules will change if weather conditions are not favorable. Events at the festival grounds will include an antique tractor and farm equipment display, arts and crafts sale, and a souvenir booth with official posters, t-shirts, etc. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Music entertainment will include the “Gulf Coast Rising Stars” vocal talent contests on Friday and Saturday mornings. Entertainers include DJ Tim Brown, Johnny No, Foley Steel Band, Cornbread, and Almost McGraw, which is the USA’s top Tim McGraw tribute show. The full schedule of events and entertainment is found at http://www.gulfcoastballoonfestival.com/
Whether you are driving from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or beyond, remember that parking at the festival grounds is very limited. Plan to take one of the many free shuttles. The shuttles will run from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The pickup locations, which all have free parking, are Heritage Park, Tanger Outlets, and Foley Elementary School.
Tips to enjoy a great day at the Hot Air Balloon Festival include bringing a blanket or lawn chair to relax in while watching the balloons. It is also a good idea to remember your sun glasses and sunscreen, and if you are staying for evening events, bring a flashlight.
Take a look at some of the scenes from last year’s festival: youtube - Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Then, start making your plans to join the fun at the 2011 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival!
Festivals such as this one fill our Gulf Shores’ schedules with fun and activity. There is always something of interest whether it is one of the many events, or just relaxing on the beach. This lifestyle is worth a look! Give me a call today and we’ll get started. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.
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