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Balloon Fest returns this weekend
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Take your camera to the Balloon Fest this weekend at Redbud Park. We want to see your photos.
On Monday, we'll publish the best Balloon Fest photos we receive, and put all of the photos online at www.reporternews.com.
Take photos at the Balloon Fest and e-mail them to PublishMe@reporternews.com (put ["]balloon" in the subject line) by 2 p.m. Sunday. Make sure each photo is at least 200 depth per inch and at least seven inches long on its longest side. Please include your name, phone number, e-mail address, and identify any people in the photo.
More Events 14th annual Balloon Fest
When: Friday-Sunday
Where: Redbud Park Abilene
How much: Free
What's going on: The Optimist Club Unlimited of Abilene again turns its eyes to the skies with the annual Balloon Fest at Redbud Park.
The event will feature hot air balloons flying above Abilene -- weather permitting, of course Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening, and Sunday morning. (Wind conditions in the atmosphere could keep balloons grounded.)
TODAY
7:30 a.m. -- balloon flights
10 a.m.-3 p.m. -- Senior and Mom and Tot Day. Bingo, dominoes and 42 under the big tent. Inflatable games and the children's area will be open with reduced pricing.
10 a.m.-11 p.m. -- Food, craft booths open
4:30-6 p.m. -- kit demonstrations
5 p.m. -- music by JamisonPriest (Americana)
5:45 p.m. -- blessing of balloons by Christian Motorcycles Association
6 p.m. -- balloon flights
7 p.m. -- music by Happy Fat (blues/rock)
8 p.m. -- balloon glow
8:30 p.m. --music by Texas Raw
SATURDAY
Events throughout the day: gymnastics, martial arts, theater, inflatable games, a children's area, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a silent auction, a raffle drawing.
7:30 a.m. -- balloon flights
8 a.m. -- 10K Run behind Redbud YMCA (register at 7 a.m.)
8:30 a.m. -- Kids 1K Run
9 a.m. -- food, craft booths open; family entertainment throughout the morning and afternoon
9 a.m. -- Bingo run for motorcyclists (last motorcycle out at 1 p.m.)
4 p.m. -- kit demonstrations
5 p.m. -- Team Chip Tae Kwon Do demonstration
6 p.m. -- balloon flights
6 p.m. -- music by Pendergrass & Twyla
7:30 p.m. -- music by Homer Hiccolm and The Rocketboys (rock)
9 p.m. -- music by Jazz Combo (jazz)
10 p.m. -- raffle drawing
SUNDAY
7:30 a.m. -- balloon flights
9:15 a.m. -- Southern Hills Church of Christ -- located very near Redbud Park -- will host its Celebration Sunday. In addition to worship, there will be hot dogs, games, inflatable games, a children's train ride and more. Curt Cloninger will give a presentation during Bible Class. Dress is casual.
Do you want a balloon ride? Balloon rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $150. To make reservations, call Jennifer at (325) 665-5831. Again, the rides will be given weather permitting. Tethered balloon rides will be available Friday and Saturday nights. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children.
For more information: (325) 795-0995 or www.bigcountryballoonfest.com.
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