Plans Readied For 2023 Balloons Over Rockbridge

Plans are well underway for the sixth annual Balloons Over Rockbridge Festival on July 1-2 at the Oak Hill Property of the Virginia Horse Center.

After a successful reboot of Lexington’s summer hot air balloon event in 2016, event organizers expect 20 balloon pilots for this year’s event. Flights are scheduled for Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning and evening with tethered rides scheduled as well-all as weather permits.

Festival parking and vendors will open each day from 2 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday afternoon and evening there will be music, food and vendors in addition to the piloted flights and tethered rides. Music by Hoss & the Boss will entertain from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and the group The Mojo Parker Express will highlight the evening entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m.

Sunday is planned as a full afternoon of music, food, games, vendors, crafters as well as piloted flights and tethered rides. Live music by So Diverse from 2:30 to 5:30 and Spencer Hatcher and the Ol’ Son Gang from 6 to 9 will entertain all.

The Ed McDaniel Memorial Balloon Glow will close out each evening after dark. Admission to attend the festival is free of charge.

Each year, the event will bring awareness and raise funds for a different local charity or community organization. This year’s event will support CampLIGHT, ARC of Rockbridge, New Freedom Farm, the Mary Carol Moore Scholarship Fund, and Straight Street.

For more information, to donate or schedule a piloted flight, visit the website www.balloonsoverrockbridge.com, Facebook @ Balloons Over Rockbridge-VA or send an email to info@balloonsoverrockbridge. com.