The 34th annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning takes place July 29-31, 2016, and features over 100 balloons from six countries. Watch video
READINGTON - With twice a day mass ascensions of 100 hot air balloons from around the world, a live concert series and affordable family entertainment, there are many reasons why over 165,000 people will attend the upcoming 34th annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank.
The biggest reason is the biggest stars: the festival's special shaped hot air balloons.
Two new special shaped balloons at the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning are Puddles and Splash, a pair of adorable 90-foot-tall penguins from the United Kingdom that kiss in mid-flight. The festival takes place July 29-31. (courtesy photo)"It's one of the things that sets us apart from other festivals," said Howard Freeman, executive producer of the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, which will be held July 29-30-31 at Solberg Airport. "We work very hard every year to find the best new balloons in the world. Combined with our returning shapes and the colorful sport balloons, the skies this year will be amazing."
This year's festival features 10 special shaped balloons including five new balloons from Brazil and the United Kingdom. This international flair is fitting for an event that has grown to be recognized on the world stage.
While traditional hot air balloons are in the shape of an inverted tear drop, shapes are very sophisticated designed balloons.
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With the many farms and rural setting surrounding Solberg Airport, the new signature balloon from title sponsor QuickChek fits in perfectly: the 115-foot-tall Farmer Pig special shaped balloon from Sao Paulo, Brazil, complete with blue overalls and weighing a trim 440 pounds, will be making his festival debut.
Two new special shaped balloons sure to make you go "aaawwwww" are Puddles and Splash, a pair of adorable 90-foot-tall penguins from the United Kingdom that kiss in mid-flight.
There's an 85-foot-tall pelican complete with bright yellow beak, white sailor suit and hat flying all the way from Brazil with the catch of the day in his beak.
And straight out of a good B-movie, the festival is launching a 75-foot-tall, 500-pound Brazilian piranha into the skies.
Straight out of a good B-movie, the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is launching a 75-foot-tall, 500-pound Brazilian piranha into the skies. The festival takes place July 29-31. (courtesy photo)Returning favorites include the 53-foot-tall PNC American Flag balloon, the largest free-flying flag in the world; the 110-foot-tall Unique Photo panda bear; an 80-foot-tall Pepsi football; and the 87-foot-tall Piko character balloon from Quebec, Canada. Also new this year is a big white bear from Bimbo Bakeries.
In all, pilots will be coming to Readington from 19 states and six countries: The United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Thailand.
And yes, you can go up, up and away in your beautiful balloon: more than 1,000 people will take a ride in a balloon at the festival, crossing it off their bucket lists or using it to celebrate a special occasion or as a romantic way to propose!
Mass hot air balloon inflations and ascensions are scheduled for Friday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 30, at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 31, at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
"The early morning ascensions when the sun is first coming up, the weather is cooler and it's less crowded have been described as spiritual," said Freeman. "The evening ascensions ahead of sunset are equally spectacular."
Tickets are available at all QuickChek store locations, by calling 800-HOT-AIR9 or online at www.balloonfestival.com.
