(WASHINGTON TWP, NJ) -- Come out to Warren County and explore the beautiful terrain - rolling hills and valleys, streams, fields and forests. Nestled in Washington Township, Warren County Community College is where you will find a mix of hot air balloons, fun & games on September 23 & 24, 2023.
Hot air balloons will take off each evening between 5:15pm-6:00pm (weather permitting). Limited full flight hot air balloon rides are available. Other hot air balloon rides include tethered rides, a short up and down for $25 per adult and $20 youth ages 4-12, and the Fred G. Monster Balloon Glow.
Gates open at 2:00pm and the festivities run until 8:00pm each evening. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment, live bands and DJ, tethered rides, games and of course, the mass balloon launch and glow with Fred G. Monster in the evenings.
You won’t want to miss the drone demonstrations from 3:30pm-4:30pm each day by Warren Community College, as they showcase the College's extensive - and nationally recognized - Drone/Robotics/AI program.
Purchase tickets at the Balloon Ride Tent for tethered rides, as well as tickets for some of the games. Tickets are $5 each and each attraction may require more than one ticket. Or purchase a Game Saver Wristband & Punch Card, available for $30 per person. The wristband includes Autocades Games Trailer, DP Golf -SNAG (Starting New At Golf) with PGA Golf Pro, David Plarre, Ax Throwing with Bury the Hatchet and a Bounce House.
Saturday entertainment features Country/Folk Musician Michael Patrick, Drew Nugent & Midnight Society, Phydeaux Flying Flea Circus, and the magic and comedy of Balloons the Clown. Sunday entertainment includes Moss Henry and the Bryophytes, DJ Golden “Lift Off” dance party, Circus Skills with Grins & Grins, and Balloons the Clown.
Sunday features the Hot Rods & Hot Air Balloons Car & Truck Show, from 2-5 pm, with all the registration fees supporting the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project. Pre-registration is just $15 and includes entry into the event for you and your riders. Registration day of the event is $20.
Registration/check-in for the car show begins at 1:00pm. Top 10, participant judged and Best of Show, panel judged will be awarded at 5:00pm Download the details and pre-registration form from the website.
Warren County Community College is located on 475 Route 57 West, minutes from Routes 31, 22 and 78.
Admission for the event is as follows:
GENERAL ADMISSION: Save on Advance Tickets at www.balloonfestnj.com. Handling fees apply. Adult: $8; Youth Ages 4-12: $4; Ages 3 & Under: Free. Parking: $5 /car.
At the Gate: Cash or Credit. Adult: $10, Youth ages 4-12: $5; Ages 3 & Under: Free. Parking: $5 /car
Warren Community College has plenty of lawn to spread out and social distance. Pets, food and alcoholic beverages are prohibited (with the exception of snacks & beverages for small children). Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs, small games like quoits and corn hole.
Proceeds from the event support the Warren Community College Foundation, the Fred T. Grotenhuis Veterans Community Center project and the Fred Grotenhuis scholarships (fredgscholarships.org).
For more details on how to be a sponsor, vendor, or to book a balloon ride, email fly@balloonfestnj.com. Other details may be found online at www.balloonfestnj.com.
