Londonderry News

A weekend of sights, sounds and all the colors of the rainbow right in the middle of summer! Even more dramatic since this event is set on the banks of the Suncook River. It is not unusual for the pilots to take a morning dip in the still waters of the river at sunrise. Believe it or not passengers are happy to join them in this morning dunk in the river! Taking off at sunrise, since the air is still at that time, these hot air balloons often drift over the river. Dropping as close as they can to the water, the natural wicker baskets often “go under” for a moment. Clearly a demonstration of the skill these pilots have in controlling the lighter than air aircraft.

Like Old Home Day in Londonderry, this Balloon Festival brings visitors from all over New England to this small town. It is a great event for the entire family plus the local companies and organizations depend on visitors for revenue from this event. The Balloon Festival includes rides, food, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides around the Pittsfield area, fireworks and of course the launching of the hot air balloons which occurs Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning most years (weather permitting). Wind plays a major factor in deciding if the hot air balloons will be allowed to launch. Even the smallest amount of wind can ground the balloons. Whether to launch the Hot Air Balloons or not is sometimes decided minutes before the scheduled launch of the balloons.

Dates and Times:
Friday – August 6, 2010: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday – August 7, 2010: 5:30am – 11:00pm
Sunday – August 8, 2010: 5:30am – 10:00am

Location:
Drake Field Pittsfield New Hampshire

Fees:
Entrance: FREE ($5.00 suggested donation)
Parking: FREE
Shuttles between parking lots and field: $1/Person (Each Ride)
Food, Beverages, Carnival Amusements, Helicopter Rides, & Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides all have separate charges.

Rules:
No smoking, no pets (due to food being served). Bags, coolers, backpacks and other containers except for childcare and medical needs are not allowed. No cans, glass, alcohol, skateboards, bikes or weapons are allowed. All bags subject to inspection.

Hot Air Balloon Launch Schedule:
Friday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 5:00 – 6:00 pm Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Liftoff
Saturday: 8:30 pm Night Glow (Hot Air Balloons Light Up On Ground, No Launch)
Sunday: 5:30 – 6:00 am Dawn Farewell Mass Ascension Balloon Liftoff

Also this year, a Blues Brothers Tribute Concert featuring Soulhouse 7 will begin at 7 PM Friday evening. Live music will also be played on the main stage beginning at 3 PM Saturday. Kites Over NE Giant Kite Fly will run from 10 AM until 2 PM Saturday. Don’t miss the amazing fireworks show Saturday night!

For a complete schedule, click here. To find out more about the Pittsfield Balloon Rally, visit this website.