The second annual Festival of Flight will offer event-goers the chance to see more than two dozen hot air balloons, to explore all types of aircraft, to grab a bite to eat, and to enjoy live music.
Admission is free, and parking is $2.
(Courtesy of American Balloons)
This year, there will even be a flying pig and a giant clown among the hot air balloons, said festival director Jessica Warren of American Balloons. Ham-Let, the flying pig, will be operated by Doug Gantt, who is making a return trip from Taiwan to take part in the festival.
“Those are quite a treat to have,” said Warren, who began planning for the festival more than a year ago.
The idea is to celebrate all things flight, she said, including everything from bubbles and kites, to T-6 warbirds and helicopters.
Last year, more than 3,500 people attended the festival. This year, Warren expects somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 to turn out.
Kenny Shumate, who will be operating the clown balloon, said he’s glad to be able to attend the festival. “I’ve heard so many good things about it,” he said. “Last year, I couldn’t make it.”
The balloon he flies is an unusual shape and can present some challenges when it’s windy – especially because of the protrusions of the nose and ears, he said.
But he’s glad he’ll be able to join the celebration. “I love to fly,” he said. “I absolutely love the sport (of ballooning).”
Those attending can purchase tickets to go for helicopter rides, plane rides and rides on a Revo – a flying contraption that looks like a combination motorcycle-hang glider. Balloon rides can be purchased ahead of the event, Warren said.
“We have tons of food that’s going to be out there this year because that’s what we ran out of last year,” Warren said. Vendors include Sweet Salsa BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, Collins Concessions, Ker’s Winghouse of Wesley Chapel, Black Dog Gourmet, Holy Cow Kettle and Organo Gold Coffee, with items for purchase including slow-smoked barbecue ribs, chicken and pork, deep-fried Oreo cookies, and funnel cakes.
The Happy Hangar Café at the Tampa North Aero Park also will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Gates open on the evening of Sept. 19, and the event concludes at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 21. The opening evening features live music and a hot air balloon glow featuring numerous balloons lighting up the runway at the private airport.
A mass balloon launch is planned around 7 a.m. on Sept. 20, with balloons flying in or out of the airport, depending on the wind, Warren said. They will be either inflated at the private airport or will land there.
“We will have the Re/Max hot air balloon that will be tethering from the ground, for about an hour after sunrise, taking people up for as long as the weather permits,” Warren said. “The runway will be open at 9 o’clock in the morning, for fly-in and fly-out traffic. You can fly your plane in and stay for the day, and you’ll also see planes going in and out all day long.”
A helicopter company will offer rides, with tickets sold on a first-come basis, Warren said.
Live music will play throughout the day, and Kiting Tampa Bay will have a booth where kids can come and make kites and watch demonstrations. A T-6 warbird flyover is slated for around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 and a balloon glow will again light the runway at 7 p.m.
Another sunrise balloon launch is planned for Sept. 21 around 7 a.m.
More airplane fly-ins and takeoffs, helicopter rides, live music and other festivities are slated until shortly after noon on Sept. 21.
Last year’s event was marred by the death of Mark Curto, a performer whose parachute did not deploy, according to local news reports.
Warren, whose Land O’ Lakes company has operated hot air balloon flights since 1998, said the tragic incident did not deter her from planning this year’s event because the area obviously has many aviation enthusiasts, and she wanted to help provide a forum to celebrate joys of flight.
For those who prefer staying closer to the ground, the event also features a Thunderbird car show.
American Balloons and the Tampa North Flight Center are presenting the festival. Key sponsors include The Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, Parks Fiat of Wesley Chapel, Ker’s Winghouse, Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, and Crockett’s Towing and Wraps.
The Wesley Chapel squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will direct traffic and handle parking duties, Warren said.
Those traveling to the area for the event can get special rates at the Hampton Suites in Wesley Chapel or the Residence Inn in Land O’ Lakes by letting the hotel staff know you are in the area for the festival.
To find out more, visit FestivalOfFlightWesleyChapel.com, or look for the Festival of Flight page on Facebook.
If you go …
WHAT: Second annual Festival of Flight 2014
WHEN: Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 20, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 21, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., in Lutz
COST: Admission is free, but parking is $2
Tickets for airplane and helicopter rides are available on the day of the event. Balloon rides must be arranged in advance.
To book a balloon ride, call American Balloons (813) 243-9507. The cost is $189 per person.
Published September 17, 2014
