Popular balloon festival gets new name
Annual balloon festival gets makeover for 2018
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » The formerly named Saratoga Balloon and Craft Festival returns to Saratoga County Fairgrounds, but with a new name and date.
Normally held Father’s Day Week, the now Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival will be June 22 through 24.
After four successful years, the event organizers said that they wanted to create a bigger and better event.
“We needed to diversify and add non-balloon related components,” said organizer Tim Cianciola, from Craftproducers.
“There’s nothing more appealing than mouth-watering barbecue,” added Christian Dutcher, co-organizer, from Americade. “With the barbecue and bacon additions, no one will be disappointed.”
Both organizers agreed adding barbecue would help the festival reach greater appeal.
“People love to eat and drink. We will add a craft beer pavilion and serve wine too. With all the great entertainment our audience can have an enjoyable day,” they said. “Let’s not dismiss the balloons; they are worth the price of admission. As they ascend as a parade of skyward seeking colorful balloons and their passengers leave behind their friends on the ground. Actually, an amazing sight.”
This year’s Festival schedule is filled with entertainment, kids activities, bountiful BBQ and bacon booths, craft beer, wine slushies, bands, street performers, an art, and craft marketplace, pony rides and the balloons.
During the weekend Balloon Meister, Todd Monahan, expects to launch 100 balloons.
Perhaps, the most exciting single event is the Friday evening Balloon Glow at dusk. Monahan says,
“It’s magic, just pure magic,” said Monahan.
The show opens on Friday at 3 p.m. and closes after the Balloon Glow. Saturday runs from 10 until 8 p.m. Sunday hours are 10-4 p.m. Adult admission is $10, kids $5. Advance sales tickets are available on the Festival website www. balloonandbbq.com. Besides the Jersey Disc Devils, no dogs are allowed at the Fairgrounds.