Festival of Ballooning will be fun

Aug. 22—Hot air balloonists bring their big balls of color to Muskogee for this weekend's Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning.

The festival runs Friday evening through Sunday morning at Hatbox Field.

Muskogee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson said 35 balloonists are expected. Some come from as far away as California.

"Keep your fingers crossed for the weather, so the balloons can fly and inflate," Wilkerson said.

Balloons cannot fly around storms or winds higher than 10 mph, a festival coordinator, Chris Sabia, has said. He said excessive heat could reduce how much a balloon can carry.

However, weather should pose few problems. According to Muskogee's AccuWeather website, Friday should have abundant sunshine with temperatures in the low 90s. Saturday could be hotter, with temperatures in the upper 90s.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Parking is $20 per vehicle, which guarantees free entry into the concert, midway and vendor area.

Parachutes will come in at 6 each evening and after the flag salute, the music starts.

Tethered balloon rides begin at 6:15 p.m. at $25 per person.

"They do that on site," Wilkerson said. "There is a liability form you sign, then pay, then it gets you in the balloon basket. Take you up and bring it back down."

Balloons are expected to set up around 6:30 each night.

There also will be a Kids Zone with inflatables. Adults can enjoy axe throwing and an escape room. Food trucks will serve nachos, ice cream, shaved ice, pizza and other items.

Two musical acts perform each night. Friday acts include Amber & Friends and singer/songwriter Lance Roark. Saturday acts are Americana singer John Fullbright and Oklahoma City's King Cabbage Brass Band.

"We've been just trying to improve it every year, including this year with the musical entertainment," Wilkerson said.

Weather permitting, balloons flame up for a Balloon Glow at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Fireworks conclude each evening.

People have other opportunities to see balloons dot Muskogee skies.

Early Saturday and Sunday mornings, balloonists have competitions, including one where they drop items onto targets on the ground.

People also might see balloons Thursday or Friday morning, when there are pre-event flights for sponsors, Wilkerson said.

"We just wanted to get the balloonists out in Muskogee where they could be seen," he said. "We ask them to go to locations where they can fly them over Muskogee. Friday morning, you should be able to look up into the sky, from just about anywhere, and see the balloons."