JAMESVILLE -- There will be some colorful additions to the skies above Central New York this weekend as the 33rd Balloonfest gets underway at Jamesville Beach.
Friday night, the wind grounded the balloons. Gusts at about 12 miles per hour were too strong and prevented the balloons from flying.
Twenty balloons from across the northeast will be offering balloon rides twice a day starting Friday evening. For those who like to stay closer to the ground, there will be plenty of music, food and rides for the kids.
Balloon rides cost anywhere from $165 to $190 dollars depending on the time. Balloonfest Director Peter Griswold says taking a ride in a balloon is a once in a lifetime experience.
"We don't fly from point A to point B like they do in an airplane. Ballooning is about the journey not the destination. You have the beautiful scenery of CNY, the hills, the lakes the waterfalls and so on. It really makes for a beautiful ride," says Griswold.
Balloon flight times are 6:00 am and 6:00pm to 7:30pm Friday thru Sunday (weather permitting).
Balloonfest is at Jamesville Beach Park and takes place Friday from 4-11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are free.
