Summer Festival in Somerset County

Pack the kids and head out to Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey and be part of the annual QuickChek Festival of Ballooning! Although the festival lasts for three days, you can attend only one day or all three of the days. There are different packages you can purchase. The one day pass for adults cost $17 in advance and $25 each at the gate. Children ages 4-12 tickets are $7 in advance and $10 each at the gate. Free admittance to children 3 years of age and under. If you choose, you can purchae the VIP Blue Sky Club tickets which get you an up close view of the balloons, your option to purchase food in the Blue Sky Club tent (for an additional charge), free on-site reserved VIP parking (a $10 savings), a private restroom and a reserved concert seat to one of the 3 major concerts slated to perform. Friday's VIP package costs $50 per person and a seat for performer Gin Blossom. Saturday's VIP package costs $65 per person and a seat for performer Paul Rodgers of Bad Company and Sunday's VIP package costs $65 per person and a seat at the Kenny Loggins performance. If you plan on staying the weekend, you can purchase a VIP weekend pass for $150.00 and see the balloons every day and see each concert performer!

What to expect? Balloons!!! Some of the balloons this year include Arky (Noah's Ark), Darth Vader, the QuickChek Fresh Farmhouse, Lily and Joey (the Little Bees) the PNC Bank American Flag, the Energizer Bunny and the Pepsi Super Can, plus 120 more balloons in all shapes and sizes, colors and patterns! Once the balloons go airborn, the fun still continues all day long with something for everyone. There are rides for kids, food to eat, crafts and vendors to visit, a movie to see on Friday nite, July 25th beginning at 8pm, watch Galaxy Girl and her family performing a thrilling aerial show, the Purina Incredible Dog Team doing stunts for your entertainment, Menudo appearing on the mainstage, the QuickChek Entertainment Tent with Comedy, Jugglers, Musical Performances and Kid's activities, a magic show, amusement rides and a Fireworks show on Friday, July 25th at 9:30 pm. Saturday nite with the evening concert is the Balloon Glow. There is also a Kid's Club package you can purchase for any one day which allows kids to get up close to the balloons!

With the General Admission Ticket you get a free lawn seat pass for the concerts. If you prefer seating at the concerts, you must purchase the VIP Blue Sky Club pass. You can purchase VIP tickets on-line or by calling 1-800-Hot-Air-9

If you choose not to park at the Solberg Airport ($10.00 parking fee) there is a free express shuttle available at Rarital Valley Community College on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to closing. The shuttles run every 20 minutes.

If you'd like to take a balloon ride, you must reserve a spot on a specific day during the weekend by calling 1-800-Hot-Air-9. Balloon rides cost $185 per person in the morning and $195 per person in the evenings. You will be in one of 125 balloons ascending!! The flight lasts 30-45 minutes and the balloon chase vehicle will bring you back to the festival once you land - wherever that may be! Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours from start to finish if you choose to ride a balloon. For those who are not quite ready to take off and go, they have during the day 5-minute "Tethered Rides" which you can purchase for $15.00 per person the day you arrive. Advanced tickets for this event is not available. Winds play an important factor in allowing the Tethered Rides to run. Your balloon will be tied to the ground by ropes 100 feet in length. The stationary air ride will put you above tree level, where you can see over the entire festival.

Planning on staying for the weekend? Visit the new Holiday Inn Express Bridgewater on Route 202 in Branchburg, or visit the QuickChek Festival of Ballooning website for other hotel listings as they become available.

The QuickChek Festival of Ballooning is located at the Solberg Airport, 37 Thor Solberg Rd, Readington, New Jersey. Located 42 miles from NYC, 54 miles from Philadelphia and 28 miles from Trenton, NJ. For more information, call 1-800-HOT-AIR-9 or visit their website at:: www.balloonfestival.com. Spend a day, spend the weekend. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as there is lots to do and see!