New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Sky Fest 2011

The New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Sky Fest 2011 is scheduled for launch on April 8, 9, and 10. Gates open at 5 pm Friday evening as guests are treated to tethered hot air balloon rides, great food, craft beers, and live entertainment presented by the US Navy Rock Band of the Southeast "Pride" and high-energy music from Clyde Harris and Street Talk.

Entering into the third year, the New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Sky Fest is expected to draw a large crowd. Last year witnessed over 20,000 attendees during the 3-day event. Attendance is free and parking is a mere $5 per vehicle.

Guests can fly the skies in a hot air balloon, helicopter, or vintage airplanes. Flying is based on weather conditions, but anyone who wants to participate in the thrill of a lifetime should make reservations early.

Hot air balloon rides are offered at sunrise on Saturday and Sunday for $199 per person. Those who want to earn their wings without leaving the ground can enjoy a tethered ride Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for $10.

Vintage airplane rides are by far one of the best experiences, but reservations are limited due to passenger restrictions. Guests fly in a T-6 Texan plane used to train pilots during WWII. For an extra fee passengers can experience the thrill of aerobatics while flying over the beach. A 15-minute ride in these classic birds is $180 to $195.

A more affordable option is to cruise the beach via helicopter. Rides are available during daylight hours (and weather permitting) on Saturday and Sunday for $28.

With feet back on the ground, attendees can watch numerous educational events including the New Smyrna Beach Police Department K-9 demonstration; radio-controlled airplane performances; martial arts demo; Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Drill Team exhibition; and "Stirrup Some Dust" horses drill team show.

In addition to spectacular air shows, this year's entertainment offers a well-balanced roundup of classical piano, Southern rock, pop-rock, and dance troupes. Spectators will be wowed by the skills of talented pilots including Patty Wagstaff, Sean Tucker, and Kyle and Amanda Franklin.

Wagstaff has earned the reputation of aerobatic expert and is a three time US National Aerobatic Champion. She soars through the air while twisting, turning, diving, and sends shivers up attendees spines as her plane plows through banners stretched across the landing strip.

Sean Tucker possesses over 30 years of entertaining the public with aerobatic stunts that will make the hair on your arms stand up. He turns his plane into a ballerina that twirls, spins, and floats through the air.

Kyle and Amanda Franklin will take your breath away as they execute death-defying acts while attached to the wings of their plane. These wingwalkers often perform without safety lines or cables which further adds to the excitement of their world-class show.

This year, the New Smyrna Beach Balloon and Sky Fest will present an Education Zone sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Numerous activities are planned throughout the event including hands-on activities for kids; alternative fuel demonstrations; engineering and physics experiments; rocket and balloon launch demos; robotics demonstrations; and aviation career talks.

Parents can sit back and relax while their children run off energy in the Kids Fun Zone. Activities include bouncy houses, slides, pony rides, and bungee-jumping.

The event takes place at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport located on U.S. 1 between South Street and Industrial Park Avenue. Driving directions and detailed calendar of events is available at www.NewSmyrnaBeachBalloonFest.com.

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New Smyrna Beach Balloon Fest