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| 2013 Statesville Balloon Festival in NC © Katrena |
While many folks are searching for pumpkins on the ground or apples in the trees, several thousand people know they can get a beautiful treat by looking up in the sky above Statesville Regional Airport. The air is usually crisp and clear in the middle of October, a great time for a balloon festival.
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| Balloon Launch from Statesville Regional Airport © Katrena |
The 2013 Carolina BalloonFest runs October 18, 19, and 20 and benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Statesville. Balloon launches are scheduled for dusk on all three days and also at dawn on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening, the crews return to set up for a balloon glow after dark. The balloon launches and glow are dependent on weather conditions.
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| NC Balloon Festival in October © Katrena |
This event attracts large crowds, so arriving early is a must in order to fully enjoy the event and avoid long wait times to get in. Ticket prices and a schedule of events are offered on the
Carolina BalloonFest web site. Prices are lower on Friday and Sunday, but the Night Glow is only offered on Saturday evening.
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| Fun Things to do in Statesville © Katrena |
Those traveling to the Statesville Regional Airport for the Carolina BalloonFest are treated to live entertainment sponsored by Wells Fargo in 2013 and a nice variety of foods and drinks. Wine Maestro is offering "A Taste of Wine & More" for the adults.
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| Fun Family Activities in Iredell County © Katrena |
Kids will be thrilled with a great variety of fun games, including a bounce house, inflatable slides, and games. The event also offers ticketed activities for the kids like a bungee jump, laser tag, and double zip line. Kids also find ways to entertain themselves, like the ones who are thrilled to run or roll up and down the hill that flanks the launch area.
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| Carolina BalloonFest on October 18, 19, 20, 2013 © Katrena |
The three-day event, celebrating its 40th year in 2013, draws thousands of families and photographers from near and far every year. You might get a little exercise at the event by running....not running after the balloons but running with the balloons in their first 5K or Fun Run offered on Sunday, October 20, 2013.
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| See Balloon Crews up Close © Katrena |
Those who wish to take to the sky and see the event from above can sign up to take a ride with a balloon team. Tethered balloon rides are also offered for those who would like the thrill of a shorter balloon ride that is anchored to the ground.
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| Tips for Seeing Carolina BalloonFest © Katrena |
Many folks bring a blanket or chairs to sit on the lawn to watch the balloon crews at work. Some crews work quickly in an effort to rise to the skies first while others take their time and savor the moment. Photographers love having the opportunity to get up close and enjoy a wealth of opportunities as envelopes are unfolded and begin to take a life of their own before rising high in the sky.
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| Hot Air Balloon Rides in NC © Katrena |
My family loves to get close to the action and watch as each crew works together to get their colors up and flying. The balloons take on a nice variety of shapes and colors. We try to guess which one will go up first and which will go the highest. Many of the balloons flew directly over our heads this year!
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| Fun Fall Activities for the Family in October © Katrena |
Some of the balloons have character shapes while others advertise for a variety of businesses. We saw American flags, stripes, stars, birds, horses, a van, and chuckled at the black and white Sparky and a Purple People Eater in 2013.
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| Things to do at the Statesville Balloon Festival © Katrena |
Many balloon crews participate in the event every year while families may make this an annual tradition. Children age 12 and under are offered free admission on Friday. Military veterans can enter for free on Sunday.
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| 2013 Hot Air Balloon Launch in Statesville © Katrena |
My family has enjoyed this event several times. Would we do it again? Absolutely! Looking for more of Katrena's articles about balloons or fun things to do in Statesville?
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| Fun and Memorable Family Activities in Piedmont NC © Katrena |
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