Hot air balloons will float above the Cambridge Valley once again this June after a two-year hiatus during the spectacular Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival.
Because of Covid-19, the full festival was not able to take place in 2020 or 2021 – although organizers hosted a one-day Balloon Bash 19½ in October 2021 to raise funds for the big 20th in 2022.
The festival is the second largest event in Washington County, right behind the Washington County Fair. Because it is run by volunteers and thanks to its generous sponsors, it always is free.
This year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Friday-Sunday, June 3-5, with food, music and community events adding to the fun.
Organized by the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce, the festival draws more than 5,000 visitors and features multiple launches of about a dozen hot air balloons throughout the weekend. It is exciting for both new and returning spectators to see these majestic balloons rise into the sky and float through the surrounding countryside.
Launches take place at Cambridge Central School on Friday and Saturday evenings at around 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday mornings at around 5:30 a.m., weather and wind permitting.
Between the launches, the Cambridge community has traditionally rolled out the red carpet, providing myriad activities, including in years past a block party and candlestick glow on Main Street followed by a fireworks display.
The candlestick glow is a magical vision of balloon baskets with their burners lit.
If festivals from previous years are any indication, this year’s will showcase local food producers and restaurants; offer a craft fair, farmers’ market, museum tour, concerts and more; and feature the annual Moon Glow, a spectacular evening display of hot air balloons illuminated from within that light up in rhythm to music provided by a DJ.
“Sponsors are crucial to the success of the balloon festival. They make it possible for the event to occur free of charge,” said festival co-chair Lisa Pembroke. “We couldn’t do it without them!” Sponsorship opportunities range from smaller donations to the sponsorship of an entire balloon with benefits that may include free rides along with free tickets to pilot events.
The event also is funded by sales of official Balloon Festival merchandise, including T-shirts, mugs and more.
For more information on the Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival, or to become a sponsor, visit cambridgenychamber.com/balloon-festival or call 518-677-0887.
Author: NYVT Media
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