ROCKINGHAM — The N.C. Festival of Ballooning is scheduled to return to the Richmond County Airport this weekend.
Hot air balloons will be stationed along the airport property and tethered rides — weather permitting — will be available.
The National Weather Service forecast shows calm winds, up to 6 mph Friday evening and Saturday morning, with no breeze mentioned on Saturday evening or Sunday.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, potential hazards with a balloon launch increase exponentially when surface wind speeds exceed 7 knots, or 8.05 mph.
The event page also boasts a nightly laser show, a kids zone and food and retail vendors.
Car passes, ranging from $25 to $50, include parking and admission, but the cost for rides is separate, starting at around $30, according to the event information.
County Manager Bryan Land said Tuesday that last October’s event “was a tremendous success,” attracting visitors from across the state.
“I probably saw maybe 20 other local people from Richmond County — the majority of these folks were from Raleigh, Charlotte, Cary … they were from all over” Land said. “So it was a great event to pull folks from out of Richmond County to showcase our airport.”
Land said he was able to negotiate free admission for all county employees and first responders, as well as a discounted price of $10 for county residents.
“It’s just a good little family outing,” Land added.
For more information on pricing, visit balloonglowtour.com.
The next stop is scheduled for next weekend for the Triangle Balloon Festival in Efland.
