Plano Balloon Fest

PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL RECOGNIZED IN TEXAS AWARDS CEREMONY

The Plano Balloon Festival Inc. was recognized for 13 awards during the virtual 2020 Kaliff Marketing Awards ceremony that aired live from the City of McAllen and was livestreamed throughout Texas. The entries submitted were for events held between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 and the competition includes more than 40 categories.

“2020 brought about many challenges to all of us across the State and across the Country. While the pandemic kept us apart, it did not keep us from finding new ways to come together, reconnect, reimagine, and recreate. We were able to bring our communities together in celebration, as we do through our events through TFEA,” stated Joe Vera, Chairman of Texas Festivals & Events Association.

BFA JUNIOR BALLOONIST SUMMER CAMP

The BFA Junior Balloonist Summer Camp Program is for teenagers (age 13-17) who are interested in hot air ballooning.

The BFA Junior Balloonist Summer Camp Program is for teenagers (age 13-17) who are interested in hot air ballooning. These camps are a fun filled and action packed experience. Previous ballooning experience is not required.

Campers will join FAA certified pilots and experienced staff who are trained to act as mentors and counselors. They make sure everyone learns in a safe environment. This is an opportunity to work with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight.

There will be hands-on sessions where topics may include Crew Safety, First Aid, Pilot Training and Career Exploration, Weather Theory, Mapping, GPS and more. Campers leave with the knowledge and skills to be a more valuable crew member, better prepared for becoming a safe pilot, and make lasting friendships with teens from around the country.

ZOE WHITE CREWS FOR PEG LEG PETE THE PIRATE PARROT

Hot air balloon crew volunteers assist out-of-town pilots at the Plano Balloon Festival. Zoe White is a local resident that signed up in 2019 and was assigned to help with Peg Leg Pete the Pirate Parrot hot air balloon. Zoe is a Plano Senior High School graduate and enjoys sharing photography on her Instagram account SweetAzurePhotos.

VIRTUAL CELEBRATION FOR 10TH PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL RACES

The news is out that the Central Market Plano Balloon Festival has been canceled. But as we turn the corner, there’s still a hot and humid breeze of excitement ready to carry us forward, one step at a time. Runners across the country are now registering for the 10th Annual Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1K and the Sky High and Elevate Challenges!

CENTRAL MARKET PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL CANCELED

The Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Central Market Plano Balloon Festival that was scheduled for September 18-20. In these uncertain times, the Festival board and staff considered the health and safety of Festival attendees, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and pilots a top priority. The Festival is extremely mindful of the large numbers of balloon pilots that come from all areas of the country, attendees drawn from the DFW area and beyond, supportive sponsors and vendors, thousands of volunteers, and on-site contractors. Providing a safe environment for everyone that visits the event is crucial. Safety has been at the forefront of the Festival from the very beginning and that will not change.

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EARLY RUNNER REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 31 FOR PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL RACES

Early registration for the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K ends March 31st! Sign-up now for the September 19-20 race dates and prepare to go the distance this Fall. On April 1st the registration fees go up just like the hot air balloons that are scheduled each morning as the race begins.

What’s included in your race registration? This epic adventure is a soaring experience that comes with a colorful customized finisher medal, two tickets to the Central Market Plano Balloon Festival, race day parking pass, and a gender specific, short sleeve, dry fit style race shirt.

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PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL NAMES CENTRAL MARKET AS NEW TITLE SPONSOR

Plano Balloon Festival, Inc. announces Central Market as the new title sponsor for the annual event set for Sept. 18-20, 2020. The three-day Festival, which began in 1980, has grown into the largest hot air balloon event in Plano and within the Lone Star State. The City of Plano is the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas and hosts more than 90,000 attendees during Festival weekend at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve.

The Festival and Central Market are both passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for people within the community. Central Market initially stepped in as a sponsor of the Kids Fun Zone, then the Plano Balloon Festival Races, and in 2019 served event attendees fresh food, like their signature grilled cheese sandwiches from a food concession booth at the Festival.

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2020 PBF RACES

It’s time to aim high for 2020 and soar through the 10 year anniversary of running at the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival! Now is the time to get in early and save on race registration for all distances. Sign-up now before these prices fly away. You may select to have your race packet mailed to you during registration for an additional fee of $20.

Sky High Challenge (5K & Half Marathon): $75.00

Elevate Challenge (5K & 10K): $45.00

Half Marathon: $60.00

10K: $30.00

5K & 1K : $20.00

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PLANO POLICE PROVIDE ID BRACELETS FOR KIDS AT FESTIVAL GATES

Officer Chris Bianez with the Plano Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit discusses the upcoming safety at the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival. If you’re bringing a child to the festival, make sure to get them registered at the gate. They’ll receive an ID bracelet with your cell phone written number on the back. There will be two Lost Child booths on the festival grounds to help reunite parents with any children who may become separated from their families.

“Plano Balloon Festival has something for everyone. Police and Fire personnel will be on hand for your safety and security. If you get a chance stop by our Crime Prevention Booth. We would love to meet you.” Officer Chris Bianez

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INTOUCH CREDIT UNION PLANO BALLOON FESTIVAL CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF BALLOONING

The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival is celebrating 40 years of ballooning in Plano during the three-day weekend that begins September 20. This annual festival is held in the City of Plano, proudly known as the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas. More than 85,000 guests are expected to attend this 40^th birthday party set in Plano’s largest park, the Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve.

“This is our birthday year and we are extremely excited about it! The InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival brings in pilots from all around the country and offers our community a low-cost, family fun event. The City of Plano does an outstanding job of supporting this event each year.” says Executive Director, Jo Via.

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