The Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival drew thousands of people to Norton Park on Saturday for its 39th annual edition, with multiple hot air balloons launching into the sky throughout the day.
Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival returns for 39th year at Norton Park
The Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival drew thousands of people to Norton Park on Saturday for its 39th annual edition, with multiple hot air balloons launching into the sky throughout the day.
The free festival featured balloon launches as its main attraction alongside an arts and crafts show, a car show, rides, and live entertainment. The event also raises donations for the Plainville community.
NBC Connecticut accompanied pilot Penelope Christy and her crew as they prepared her balloon, named the 'Sky Petal,' for launch. Christy described the ground preparation process, which includes spreading out the balloon and operating a fan during inflation.
Christy said aspiring balloon pilots must log at least 10 hours before they are permitted to fly solo, and only when their instructor determines they are ready. 'So if you're a beginner, you need 10 hours to be able to solo... only if your instructor tells you you can!' she said.
Christy and her crew eventually joined about a dozen other balloons in the air. Among the spectators was the Chaudhry family, who traveled from Boston. Sangeetha Chaudhry said she had seen balloon festivals in Turkey and New Mexico before learning of the Connecticut event.
- The source does not state the total attendance figure beyond describing it as 'thousands.'
- The source does not specify the total amount raised in community donations or the recipients of those donations.
- The source does not state how many balloons participated in the festival in total, only that Christy joined 'about a dozen' in the air.
- The source does not identify the organizing body or organizers responsible for the festival.
- The source does not describe weather or flight conditions on the day of the event.
Read the original at NBC Connecticut