The first annual Citrus Classic Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held this Friday, 25 July and Saturday, 26 July 2008 at Santa Paula Airport SZP, California. Twenty-three balloons from across the Southwest are expected to participate, with some unusual character shapes. This will be the first-ever balloon festival in Ventura County. Three to seven thousand people are expected to attend, based upon past airshows at SZP.
SZP is located off the 126 Freeway at 340 E. Santa Maria St. Signs will guide visitors from Highway 126 exits to parking.
Gates open Friday at 5 pm. 6 pm-opening ceremonies. 6 pm Balloon Glow. 10 pm festival concludes for the night.
Saturday schedule: 5 am: gates open. 6 am: opening ceremonies 6 to 8 am: mass balloon ascension and the Hare & Hound event. 7 am: Specially shaped balloons inflate. 8 am: champagne toasts in wine and beer garden. 11 am: tri-tip luncheon. Noon: Prizes awarded. 1 pm: festival concludes.
Admission: Adults: $5 per adult, children: $3 per child ages 5-14, 4 and under free. Parking: $5 for vehicles with less than six passengers, $12 for vehicles with six or more passengers. $2 per return. $1 for shuttle if over age 7. Proceeds from wine and beer sales will go to the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita. The Knights of Columbus will receive proceeds from one of the parking lots.
Web info: http://www.citrusclassicballoons.com
I will miss this as departing CMA for Oshkosh Friday morning.