Sky High

July 24–26: Up to 125 hot air balloons will take flight at the 27th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the largest festival of its kind in North America and one of the most popular events in the state.

Posted June 10, 2009 by Emily Faherty

New Jersey Fesitval of Ballooning.

Photo by Marc Steiner/Agency New Jersey.

SKY HIGH

July 24–26: Up to 125 hot air balloons will take flight at the 27th annual Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the largest festival of its kind in North America and one of the most popular events in the state. Over the weekend, the colorful giants will populate the scenic Hunterdon County sky in five mass ascensions. Try to spot the 3-D Darth Vader balloon, and new balloons such as the 100-foot-tall panda bear.

The festival will also feature a fireworks display, the Flying Wallendas’ high-wire circus act, and live music by Michael McDonald, Jersey City’s own Kool & the Gang, Al Jardine’s Endless Summer Band, and up-and-coming teen singer Meaghan Martin. More than 175,000 people are expected to attend. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, so it’s not just a flight of fancy. Fri, 1–10 pm; Sat, 6 am–10 pm; Sun, 6 am–8 pm; $7–$25; call for balloon ride reservations and prices. Solberg Airport, Readington (800-HOT-AIR-9; balloonfestival.com).

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