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The 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will for the first time have 360° views at The Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY - July 6, 7 & 8, 2018. Advanced Tickets Now Available.
Media Contact:
Lj. Julee Whalin, Marketing & Communications
Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce
845.454.1700 x1020
jwhalin@dcrcoc.org
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – May 23, 2018 – The Hudson Valley Hot-Air
Balloon Festival is in its 27th year of hosting balloonists from all over the country. This year due to growth and need for expansion, the balloon festival has moved to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York.
The move will enable the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCRCOC) to offer new expanded activities for all ages. In addition, the Fairgrounds for the first time will enable the hot air balloons to fly in all directions - enabling 360° views. Balloonists will have room to launch and have tethered balloon rides. For spectators, the abundant room that the Fairgrounds’ allows will result in free and easy parking and intimate interaction with the balloons as well as their pilots.
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is the premier destination for Hudson Valley fair and festival patrons, and was recently listed as one of the “Top Places to Visit” in the world by National Geographic, Fodor’s and Time Magazine.
The 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival has expanded significantly over the years, with more than 25,000 people attending in 2017. By moving to the iconic Fairgrounds, the event will be able to continue to grow, offering free on-site parking for the entire weekend as well as a stable and proven infrastructure that hosts hundreds of thousands of people each year. “This is an exciting move for the Chamber, and we jumped at the opportunity to bring this event to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds,” said DCRCOC President & CEO Frank Castella, Jr. “The Fairgrounds has it all – from a safe, secure location, to parking and other facilities needed to make this event a true community festival. And of course, we also will have balloonists from all over the country joining us again this year.”
The DCRCOC is planning a total of more than 100 balloon launches during the weekend, with mass launches scheduled in the evenings Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the popular sunrise launches on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, there will be tethered balloon rides available throughout the festival. All rides are weather and wind-permitting, but activities will be available at all times, this includes a craft beverage tap tent, live bands, vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more. Advance discounted tickets are now available. Updates throughout the weekend will be posted on the Chamber’s website at dcrcoc.org as well as on The 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival Facebook and Instagram pages. Spectators should for allow extra time for traffic to ensure seeing the balloons inflate and launch. Please share your photos using hashtag #HVBalloon! Visit BalloonFestHV.com for complete event information, tickets, FAQs, directions, sponsors, vendors and more.
Call For Volunteers
The 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is calling for volunteers! Anyone interested in volunteering at the festival can do so by visiting our volunteer portal on BalloonFestHV.com. All volunteers who work at least one shift will be given a HV Balloon Fest T- shirt and two tickets for the weekends events to the festival.
Notes to Editors
Photo Opportunities and interviews can be arranged with hot air balloon handlers, Michelle & Roger Hooper as well as integral members of The 27th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, the Fairgrounds, sponsors and community leaders.
Founded in 1907, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to the growth and development of local businesses and the economy. For more information about Chamber happenings, a complete events calendar, or to find out how we might best serve as an advocate for you and your business, please visit dcrcoc.org.
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