Hot-Air Balloons Launch Summer's First Big Festival at Exposition

Music, Fun and Hot-Air Balloons Launch Summer's First Big Festival at Exposition
Plenty of Affordable, Close-to-Home Fun with Concerts and Balloons
Hot air balloons in the shape of bees, beagles and bunnies will fill the skies over Champlain Valley Exposition June 2-4 as the Vermont Balloon and Music Festival Presented by UNICEL returns for its third year.
The three-day, family-oriented festival has a new line-up of entertainment this year, including three top-notch music concerts, children's carnival rides and games, circus and reptile acts, a children's zoo, and one of the largest gatherings of colorful mascots from around the region for Sunday's special Kids Vt. Kids Day activities.
"The Vermont Balloon and Music Festival, presented by UNICEL, was recognized as one of Vermont's 'Top Ten' summer events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce last year. We plan to live up to and exceed that honor again this year," emphasized the Exposition's General Manager David F. Grimm.
"With gasoline prices currently on the rise, we know many families are looking for fun and affordable summer activities that are close-to-home," he added.
Thanks to the 2006 sponsorship of Kids VT newspaper and WCAX Channel 3, admission is free for children ages 8 and under. Tickets at the gate are $12, but advance tickets saving $3 off the regular price are available at participating UNICEL and Price Chopper stores in Vermont and New York through May 31. All shows and concerts are included for the day of admission.
Advance discount tickets are available through May 31 at participating UNICEL retail stores throughout New England and in Plattsburgh, NY, and at Price Chopper stores. For more information, call (802) 878-5545 or visit www.cvfair.com
As always, the centerpiece of the festival is the exciting and colorful balloon launches - five in all - beginning with Friday's launch about 6:30 p.m. followed by a concert with The subdudes and fireworks, sponsored by All Cycle. Saturday and Sundays balloon ascensions are scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
On Saturday night, the Balloon Glow on the Harpoon Brewery and Barefoot Wine Balloon Launch Field - described as 'magical' by the pilots themselves after the 2005 Balloon Glow - takes place after the 'Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX' concert.
Local country music favorite Jamie Lee Thurston and the Rattlers of Nashville take to The Burlington Free Press Main Stage on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
The combination of 45-plus hot-air balloons, great concerts and a weekend of fun, free shows come together to make this one of the great ways for families to kick off the summer festival season," said Grimm.
The Vermont Balloon and Music Festival attracts dozens of colorful sport balloons and special-shaped balloons from across the country, according to Tom Oddy, Director of Special Events at CVE. The festival also offers enthusiasts the opportunity to experience first-hand the joy of hot-air ballooning over the scenic landscape of Chittenden County. Rides are available at all launch times and organizers say advance registration is encouraged to ensure a ride during the festival. Tethered balloon rides will be available, along with ballooning activities throughout the weekend. Call (802) 878-5545 to make a reservation. Balloon launches are weather and wind dependent.
Three of the favorite shaped balloons from the world-famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - the two Kissing Bees (Lily and Joey) and Maximus Beagle - will be in Vermont, according to Howard Freeman of Promo 1, co-promoter of the show. Plus, he noted, the always popular, giant pink Energizer Bunny will be back again this year.
In between balloon launches, Oddy noted, there is plenty to do including: daily concerts with Afterburner, the US Air Force Band, featuring contemporary and patriotic music; Vermont School of Circus Arts shows; comedy dog tricks by the Muttville Comix; thrills with the West Texas Rattlesnake Show; Full Throttle Monster Truck rides (additional ticket required); and the neck-craning aerial acrobatics of the Anastasini Circus performing high above the Exposition.
Returning favorites include Record and Burpee's Children's Zoo and camel rides. Worthem's Pony Rides will also be available. Adelphia Cable is sponsor of the $15 Midway Ride-A-Thon (pay one price for all carnival rides on Friday and Sunday).
One of the special exhibit area attractions this year will benefit the United Way of Chittenden County. Hampton Direct, a catalog merchandiser of home goods located in Williston, will hold a benefit sale of overstock and discontinued items at deep discounts during the festival and donate the proceeds to local health and human service programs funded by United Way. There will be also be plenty of other arts, crafts and vendor exhibits for shopping.
Sunday, June 4 is Kids VT Kids Day and features special children's activities, including a chance to see nearly 20 famous mascots such as Curly from Champlain Valley Fair, Champ from the Vermont Lake Monsters, Rally from University of Vermont, among others on parade. There will be plenty of photo opportunities with the characters during the day.
For more information and the full schedule of events, visit www.cvfair.com
FOR CALENDAR LISTING:
2006 VERMONT BALLOON AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: June 2-4, Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT. A three-day celebration of music and hot-air ballooning, presented by UNICEL, Admission includes Burlington Free Press Main Stage concerts by The subdudes, Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX, and Jamie Lee Thurston and the Rattlers. Adelphia Cable's $15 Midway Ride-a-Thon on Friday (3-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Balloon launches daily, (weather permitting) offering rides and tethered rides. All Cycle Fireworks Friday and Saturday balloon glow on the Harpoon Brewery and Barefoot Wine Balloon Launch Field. Advance discount tickets for $9 available at participating UNICEL stores and Price Chopper stores through May 31. Kids 8 and under are free. Admission at the gate is $12. On-site camping is available. For information call (802) 878-5545 or visit www.cvfair.com.