Miss Daisy will be high in the skies above Plano this weekend. So will Oggy the Dragon, Pandy the Panda and a host of other hot-air-filled vessels, character-shaped and otherwise.
Today kicks off the 29th annual EDS Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival, the celebration that has become one of the city's largest tourist draws. More than 90,000 are expected to take part in the weekend festivities at Oak Point Park, featuring flights by more than 65 hot air balloons.
What began in 1979 as a community event has blossomed into something much bigger, said Jo Via, executive director of the festival.
"It has become multigenerational, with people coming from all over," Ms. Via said. "Parents that came as children are now bringing their kids."
Over the years, the festival also has evolved into a way for nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and funds. Last year's balloon festival brought in $138,000. This year, 38 nonprofits are participating, including the SPCA of Texas and Habitat for Humanity.
Pete Carter with Airventure Balloonport has been a pilot with the festival since the onset. As demand has grown, festival organizers have arranged for more pilots to take guests who pay the $240 fee up into the clouds.
"Riding in a balloon is an incredible and unique experience," Mr. Carter said. "To a lot of people, it is fantasy. As pilots, we are in the fantasy-fulfillment environment."
Balloon launches begin at 6 this evening and continue throughout the weekend, with launches scheduled for 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include an exhibition by the RE/MAX Parachute Team and a fireworks display Saturday.
The festival also will feature exhibits and a concert stage that will host performances by Elvisimpersonator Kraig Park and a Beatles tribute band, Me & My Monkey.
Brad McCutcheon, a Plano firefighter, has been a festival volunteer for the past six years. He and more than 60 other volunteers have been working all week toward today's launch.
"It's giving families a venue to spend time together, but more importantly, it's building traditions and memories," he said.
Source : Dallasnews
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