Experience Hot Air Balloons and Ride in a Tethered Balloon

Tethered Hot Air Balloon sponsor is Tim Hudspeth, Marion County State’s Attorney

During Balloon Fest, attendees will have the opportunity to see hot air balloons launch, fly, and glow, but they can also experience riding in a tethered hot air balloon.

The tethered balloon does not take off and fly, instead, it softly rises and lowers to give riders the experience of a hot air balloon ride. This experience costs $20 per person and lasts a few minutes.

Since all balloon events are weather-dependent, advance tickets are not sold for the tethered balloon rides. Attendees will start lining up to ride the tethered balloon before the scheduled 5:30pm flight. As weather permits, the tethered balloon may continue operating until the park closes at 10:00pm.

The tethered balloon will be located in the baseball diamond centrally located in Fairview Park. Once off the ground, riders will see the entire park, a bird's-eye view of the event, and the surrounding areas. Then they will descend back to the park.

All other hot air balloons are sponsored and passengers for those flights are coordinated through the sponsor and pilot.

As the hot air balloons set-up to fly after 5:30pm, or during the glow from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, attendees may also walk around each balloon and experience how the fans cold-inflate the fabric envelope, how the wicker basket stands as the balloon rises, and the heat from the burners as they continue to inflate the balloon.

Remember, do not step over ropes and be mindful of the balloon crews helping the pilots. Once inflated, attendees may walk up to the basket of the balloon and talk to the pilots or crews.

Balloon Fest is the perfect event to experience hot air balloons up-close and personal.