WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – 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 and games on September 23rd and 24th.
Hot air balloons will take off each evening between 5:15 p.m. and 6 p.m. (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 p.m. and the festivities run until 8 p.m. each evening. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors, children’s entertainment, live bands and DJ, tethered rides, games and the mass balloon launch and glow with Fred G. Monster in the evenings.
You won’t want to miss the drone demonstrations from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day 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 and punch card, available for $30 per person. The wristband includes Autocades Games Trailer, DP Golf – SNAG (Starting New At Golf) with PGA golfpro 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 and Hot Air Balloons Car and Truck Show from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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 p.m. Top 10, participant- judged and best of show, panel-judged will be awarded at 5 p.m. Download the details and pre-registration form from the website.
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 and under: Free
Parking: $5 /car
At the gate: cash or Credit.
Adult: $10
Youth ages 4-12: $5
Ages 3 and under: free
Parking: $5/car
Warren County Community College has plenty of lawn to spread out and social distance. Pets, food and alcoholic beverages are prohibited (with the exception of snacks and beverages for small children). Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs and small games like quoits and corn hole.
Proceeds from the event support the Warren County 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.
