Balloon Festival Returns to New Jersey

Every summer the skies over New Jersey are filled with the magic of ballooning as gigantic, colorful balloons take flight. That tradition continues with the 31st annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Association with PNC Bank takes off July 26 through 28 from Solberg Airport in Readington.

Named one of the Top 100 Events in North America in 2013, the QuickChek balloon spectacle is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in the country. It features more than 100 hot air balloons from around the world, a hugely popular live concert series and affordable family entertainment. And it does good for the community, raising more than $2.1 million for local charities and nonprofits over the past 20 years.

Organizers say 165,000 people are expected to attend this year's festival, and they'll witness interesting new balloons soaring overhead, including the QuickChek Flighthouse, a 115-foot-tall flying lighthouse that pays respects to “Restore the Shore” efforts, and a 105-foot-tall Elvis balloon from Brazil, complete with 40-foot-wide sunglasses and a sparkling white sequined jump-suit. 

In all, eight specially-shaped balloons will take to the skies including the PNC American Flag balloon, a crowd favorite. Five stories tall, it was created following 9/11 and has flown at the festival every year since. New this year is an 85-foot-tall firefighter, whose helmet shield pays tribute to those who gave their all at the World Trade Center. 

The festival also features morning-through-night entertainment and attractions including hot air balloon rides, a nighttime balloon glow, children's amusement rides, the Hunterdon Healthcare “Running with the Bulloons” 5K Race and death-defying stunts from female human cannonball Jennifer “The Cannon Lady” Smith, who will be shot out of a 27-foot-long cannon and fly 125 feet through the air three times a day. 

The festival also boasts concerts featuring big-name performers 1980s hitmaking group REO Speedwagon, country superstars Big & Rich, jamband favorites Blues Traveler and, for the younger set, Disney Channel sensations R5 featuring Ross Lynch. 

Sponsor QuickChek will offer food and comfort at the event with a 2,700 square foot air conditioned store and a huge hospitality tent. Hundreds of artists, crafters and food vendors, many giving out free samples, will be on hand.  

Tickets are available at all QuickChek store locations, by calling 1-800-HOT-AIR9 or online at www.balloonfestival.com.