Hot-air balloon pilots from across the country are floating into Little Rock for the second annual Great War Memorial Balloon Race starting Friday. More than 20 unique and colorful balloons will be showcased during the three-day event.
Event director Lisa Archer says several iconic hot air balloons from Arkansas take part and each balloon has its own distinct pattern or shape.
“We’ve got more balloons, vendors and events than we had in our inaugural year,” Archer says. “You don’t want to miss this event.”
Watch “Balloonmeister” Mike Wilson on his Cloudhopper balloon (instead of a basket to stand in, there is a seat with a propane tank strapped to the back) as his feet fade into the sky. Check out the custom Wicked balloon that is making a stop during its 15-city tour to promote the Broadway musical.
At 4 p.m. Friday, the gates open and patrons can make their way to the music stage for entertainment by Runaway Planet. At 5:30 p.m., an opening ceremony and inflation of the balloons will kick off the activities.
Never been in a hot air balloon? For $20 you, too, can float above ground with a tethered balloon ride. When the sun goes down, stay for the balloon glow.
On Saturday, there will be plenty of activities for children, including the War Memorial Splash Fountain, bounce houses, carnival games, projects led by the Girl Scouts of America and a fire safety and prevention program by Smokey Bear.
Show up bright and early to watch the balloons as they fly over the city for the first competition flight, called the Hare and Hound. At 6:30 a.m. the first balloon, the “hare,” will take flight, and five minutes later the rest of the balloons, the “hounds,” will give chase. The hare will choose a landing location and put out a target that hound pilots will try to hit with a marked beanbag. Whoever is closest to the center of the target will win a cash prize.
At 8 a.m., join the Race to Emerald City with a 5K run and 2K walk benefiting the Little Rock Boys and Girls Club. If the footrace doesn’t get your blood pumping, join a Zumba workout at 9:30 a.m. led by experts from the Jim Dailey Fitness Center and Fitness for Life. At 10 a.m., visit the Arkansas Arts Center’s Artmobile or snag a snack from the several food truck vendors peppered throughout the grounds.
A frozen T-shirt contest will begin at 3:30 p.m. During this event, 10 people will try to break balls of ice to reach a T-shirt inside, and the first to get a shirt on wins.
At 4 p.m. you can dance to swing and big band music with The Bob Boyd Sounds, and at 6:30 p.m. groove to some jazz music by Lagniappe Band. Beginning about 8 p.m., you can end the evening with the final balloon glow of the weekend.
Sunday at 6:30 a.m., the balloons will participate in the final flight competition. If you’re afraid that you will miss church, don’t be. A church service at the event will begin at 8 a.m., followed by food and art vendors at 10 a.m.
The event will conclude at 3 p.m. with a celebratory helium balloon release.
All events are weather-dependent and flight decisions and cancellations will be made the day of the event.
Great War Memorial Balloon Race
4-10 p.m. Friday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, War Memorial Golf Course, 5110 W. Markham St., Little Rock
Admission: $5 for a three day wristband; free for children 12 and younger
Parking: $5
Tethered rides: $20
greatwarmemorialballoonrace.com
Weekend, Pages 37 on 06/20/2013