Hot Air Ballooning

Buzz buzz buzzzzzzzzz....my alarm went off at 04.45 am. The thought of attending a Hot air balloon festival quickly crossed my half-awake mind and I was on my feet within seconds. It was first of a kind, my colleague and I have ever been part of. By 5.30 am, we hit the roads and off to Solberg Airport, New Jersey where the 28th Annual Festival of Ballooning was taking place. Major events at the festival were Sky-dive demonstration, "Mass Ascension of 125 Hot Air Balloons", tether rides and many fun-filled activities to keep you busy all the day.

50 miles drive was very pleasant as our car floated in the morning breeze and in no time we reached the venue. Our first impression of the festival was "wow!!! this is awesome!!!" as the air field was full of enthusiastic visitors, caravans carrying the hot air balloons which were getting ready with the launch and the whole airport was in a festive mode. At 06.15am, three skydivers shooted off into the skies from military aircraft and circled around the airport to land in the center of the festival arena, calling the Day activities on.

Minute by minute, each balloon was being filled with hot air as if like they were having their breakfast and in no time, balloon were growing bigger, revealing their true colors. At 06.40am, the first one lifted into the skies cheering up the much awaiting crowd. By 08.00am, 120 of the 125 balloons hit the skies (poor 5 guys did not make it to the air). The whole area was colorful as each of the balloons flew over our heads into deep skies. There were advertised balloons, self-owned and some were sponsored ones.

Once the balloons disappeared, other activities like concerts, fun games and track events kicked off. We weren't lucky that day as the tether rides were cancelled due to the heavy winds. Nevertheless, we spent our next 4 hours collecting freebies, trying our hands at few games and attending random concerts. On a whole, every penny spent was justified and every moment was enjoyed.

Over and out!!!