Due to the popularity of the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival held this past summer at Warren County Community College, organizers are excited to launch a new event, Treats & Tricks, in late October.
Treats & Tricks is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2020, from 2-7:30 p.m. both days. The event will once again feature Drones and Hot Air Balloons, for an afternoon and evening of flying fun. In addition to Drone Demonstrations, Hot Air Balloon launches and Tethered Rides, there will be a Balloon Glow.
The Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival was held in conjuction with the annual Warren County Farmers' Fair in Harmony Township, NJ, for 19 years, but when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellation of the fair, the balloon festival moved to the WCCC campus in Washington Township. It proved to be a popular location, leading to the new event.
Organizers are asking attendees to “mask up” to prevent the coronavirus spread, but also invite visitors to dress in costume for this weekend event. There will be opportunities for children to do some Trick or Treating as well.
Food trucks will be available, including Angry Chouriço BBQ, Latin Bites, It’s Koffee Time, and a lemonade stand.
Admission will be limited so organizers suggest purchasing your tickets in advance. Admission does not include riding in the balloons. There will be tethered balloon rides, weather permitting, for $15 per person, offering a short up and down in a hot air balloon that is appropriate for all ages. Full length balloon rides will also be available, ranging from $210 per person to $550 for a private ride for two.
Schedule
2-4pm: Drone Flying Demos & Lessons - Instructors and student pilots will be on hand to demonstrate flying, and to answer questions.
2-7:30pm: Food Trucks
3pm: Tether Rides (weather permitting) $15 per person
3:30pm: Costume Parade
4:15-5pm: Balloons inflate & depart the field
6:30-7:15pm: Balloon Glow - Balloons return to the launch field and illuminate the field as they glow.
Please note, if you attended the previous festival, the balloon launch time is earlier. Balloons prepare to fly about 2 hours before sunset.
All visitors will be required to have a mask with them for entry, and the mask will need to be worn in designated areas.
Admission
Advance Tickets (highly recommended) are $8 per person, (plus processing fees, sales tax)
Mask required for entry.
Admission at gate:
Limited admission is available $12 per person, cash. (Includes sales tax)
Balloon Rides:
$210 per person
$550 private ride for 2
$700 private ride for three
Tethered rides are first come, first served. They are tentatively scheduled to begin at 3pm. The exact start time will be determined based on weather that day and may be delayed if the winds are too strong.
Proceeds to benefit the Fred Grotenhuis Memorial Scholarships (www.fredgscholarships.org) and the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project - both 501c3 organizations.
To purchase admission tickets visit www.balloonfestnj.com. To book a full flight hot air balloon ride book online, email fly@balloonfestnj.com or call 908-283-0721.
Treats & Tricks - Flying Fun at WCCC
Two days of Hot Air Balloons - including the Monster Balloon - Drones, food trucks, some trick or treating for the kids, and a Balloon Glow both nights. “Mask up” but also dress in costume for this weekend event - there's a costume show both days - right before Halloween. Advance tickets are sold out, limited tickets at the gate, call for details.