It’s fitting that the largest balloon festival in Texas is hosted at none other than the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, Plano’s largest park. The first balloon took to the skies more than 200 years ago, and no one in Texas showcases these magnificent hot air balloons better than the annual balloon festival in Plano!

The 36th annual InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival is on September 18-20 and will see thousands of guests turning out for a weekend full of illuminated hot air balloons of every shape and size, skydiving shows, family activities, food and more. Balloon launches will take place each evening at 6 p.m., along with morning flights at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The featured special shapes for this year’s festival include Pigasus the flying Pig, High Kitty, Yellow Bird, Putty Cat and the always popular High Jack.

Additional attractions include a car and truck show, Saturday evening fireworks, kid’s fun zone, evening balloon glows and performances on the KDFW Fox 4 community stage and KLUV main stage. Other activities include a half marathon, 1K and 5K run/walk. Balloon rides may be purchased for $300 per person in advance.

Tickets to the festival are $5 for general admission, $1 off for seniors 65 and over, and free for kids under 36 inches. For additional information on the festival, event schedule or ticket purchases, visit www.planoballoonfest.org.   
By Elaine Krackau