Citrus Classic Balloon Festival

This is an event that we have attended twice before, and we were disappointed with the lack of organization each time.  Since it is close by and sounds like such a great event in theory, we decided to give it one more try.  Apparently the third time is a charm because we loved it this year!

We went on Friday night for the evening balloon glow.  We arrived around 6:30 and had no problem finding a parking spot and making our way into the event.  We spent some time looking at the various booths (food booths, items for sale, kids' activities, etc).  Then we found my favorite activity of the night.  For a $1 donation, you were given the chance to walk inside a partially inflated balloon laying on its side, that was being kept inflated by a large fan.  That's right, we could go inside the balloon part of the hot air balloon!  It was such a cool experience and made for some really great pictures. 

Brother and Sister inside the hot air balloon

As it started to get dark, the hot air balloons started to be inflated, and slowly we saw about 15 balloons grow from pieces of material laying flat on the ground to magnificent colorful fully inflated balloons.  They then started to "glow" as the balloons took turns "lighting up" from the flames inside (I wish I knew the technical way to explain it, but I can tell you that it was beautiful!). 

Next year I hope to make it early (very early) on either Saturday or Sunday morning to see the balloons take off into the air...should be a beautiful sight!

Event: Citrus Classic Balloon Festival

Dates: July 29-31, 2011

Cost: $12 per adult, $7 per child (ages 5-14), Under 5 is free.  Discount tickets are sold in advance at various locations (check website)

Location: 18249 East Telegraph Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060

Parking: $7 per car for on-site parking.  Shuttles are available from off-site lots (check website)

More Info: http://www.citrusclassicballoons.com/index.php