Soaring Sights

Balloon Festival hits the skies September 17–19

Get carried away at Plano’s largest event of the year September 17–19, as approximately 95,000 spectators join in the thrill of the InTouch Credit Union 2010 Plano Balloon Festival. To get the event off the ground, the RE/MAX Parachute Team will jump from their airplane and soar toward Oak Point Park carrying a 600-square-foot flag.

New to the festival this year will be three special-shape balloons: Clowning Around, Lady Bug, and Shroom with a View. Returning this year is the always popular High Jack.

Friday night, attendees will hear all their two-steppin’ country favorites as Scott Ewing performs on the KLUV Main Stage. The Plano Senior High alumnus is a Texas A&M graduate who grew up to the sounds of Waylon, Willie, and Merle. Like many homegrown country music artists, he says George Strait was an inspiration, too. Presented by Mitsubishi Motors, the concert begins at 7 p.m.

The Saturday evening concert will feature Moving Colors, a variety dance band from Dallas who performs hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today—songs by Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado, Rob Thomas, and OutKast, among others. Their mix of dance and rock music, along with some stomp, entertains audiences of all ages. The concert will be presented by Time Warner Cable.

At 9 p.m., Pyrotex will paint the night sky with a dazzling array of fireworks. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and immerse yourself under a canopy of colors, shapes and sounds. You won’t want to miss this Saturday-night-only event presented by Pizza Hut.

Ongoing throughout the weekend in the State Farm “Kids Fun Zone” will be performances from local dance and martial arts groups, a free Kids Korner with art activities, a rock-climbing wall, inflatable rides, and a “Toddler Zone.”

Spectators will have an opportunity to purchase a balloon ride for $250 per person during the weekend. Flights will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will be flown weather permitting. Passengers must be over 10 and in good health. Passengers under 18 must have parental permission. The ride booth will be open prior to each launch near the main entrance.

For more information, call 972.867.7566 or visit planoballoonfest.org. The Plano Balloon Festival is also on Facebook.