LET IT GLOW: BALLOON FESTIVAL IN RIVERPARK

Cue the Fifth Dimension to start singing “Up Up & Away.”

The first in a series of balloon festivals is coming to the banks of the Tennessee River when Chattanooga Balloon Festival floats into town Friday-Saturday, Nov. 1-2.

This family festival in the Tennessee Riverpark will include a bungee jump, mechanical bull, 90-foot Ferris wheel, Kids Zone with games, inflatable and rides. There will be craft and food vendors, and live music.

But the center of attention will, of course, be the hot-air balloons. At least 15 balloonists are coming to this festival with balloons of all shapes (a pink flying pig and 150-foot-tall American eagle) and colors. Hot-air balloon ride tickets will be sold separately only at the festival for $20.

The finale each day will be a balloon glow at 8 p.m. Bring your camera/cellphone for the photo-ops these balloon glows offer. In a one-hour show with music, all the hot-air balloons are lit in coordinated burns that create a warm glow and beautifully illuminate the balloons’ colors against the night sky.

Organizers recommend arriving early to stake out a good seat to view the balloon glow. Bring your own chair/ blanket, but no coolers or pets will be allowed.

The balloon glow will be held rain or shine, so bring an umbrella to stay dry.

Free parking will be available at Chattanooga State Community College. Handicapped parking will be available at the Riverpark.

WGOW Radio will host a live remote broadcast at 7 p.m. both nights from the festival site.