Balloon Spectacular Sets New Event Date October 30 – November 1

For Immediate Release                               

 Contact:               Kristi Rigsby

                                Event Director

                                940-612-8607

                                [email protected]

GAINESVILLE — The last weekend in October this year will truly be a “spectacular” one in North Texas as 25 hot air balloons take to the sky as part of North Texas Medical Center Foundation’s The Sky’s the Limit Balloon Spectacular October 30 – November 1 in Gainesville, Texas.

Now in its fourth year, the family-friendly weekend event begins Friday evening, October 30, at the Gainesville Municipal Airport with gates opening at 4 p.m.  A mass ascension and competition flight are on the Friday evening schedule.  At 7:30 p.m., balloons will return to the field for the traditional balloon glow.  This event features the balloons tethering on the field and lighting their burners to illuminate the envelope which creates a beautiful, sparkling spectacle of color on the ground –a photographer’s dream.

If conditions are favorable and officials deem it safe, spectators will be invited to walk among the balloons and view the beautiful creations up close.  Not all festivals allow such intimate interaction, so those attending this show are in for a real treat!

Prior to and during the event, hot air balloon rides hovering over the beautiful country side of Cooke County can be booked for $200 per person.  Pre-book at www.theskysthelimit.org.   Spots fill quickly.

Other activities include a multitude of merchandise and information booths, a carnival midway, displays and plenty of delectable festival foods.  Grab some chairs and a blanket and stake your spot.  Gates close at 10 p.m.

On Saturday, October 31, things begin early as the gates open at 7 a.m., with balloons flying in from outside locations to fly over targets at the airport.  The fly-in will begin roughly at 7:15 a.m. and continue until 9 a.m.  There is a slight break in the balloon action until the evening session, which begins at 5:30 p.m., and another mass ascension of balloons flying from the airport until 7:30 p.m.  Around 7:30, the balloons will glow once more before handing over the spotlight to the evening entertainment when Pat Green takes the Sky Stage at 9 p.m.  Gates close at 11:00 p.m.

There are many other activities that will fill the day on Saturday.  This year, the 19^th Annual Halloween Hustle will be incorporated into this event and will take place Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the airport.  The popular Halloween Hustle will once again feature both a 5K and 10K USATF courses.   To register for this event, go to www.ntmcfoundation.org .

Also on Saturday, an air show is scheduled for mid-afternoon with multiple aircraft performing tricks in the sky.  There will also be a car show on Saturday from 10:00 – 3:00.  A special “Champagne and Propane Ball” will honor our visiting pilots, sponsors and supporters of the North Texas Medical Center Foundation.  Tickets are $65 each and include a full gourmet meal and a fantastic view of Saturday night’s balloon glow.  The event will be held in the CBS Hangar at the airport.  Regional chefs from Morrison’s Food Services will each host a station – appetizers, salad, entrée, dessert – as they each compete for a chance to take the top catering prize back to their hospitals.  It will be a mouth-watering social event you will not want to miss.  Call (940) 612-8607 for reservations.  Space is limited.

Sunday morning will be the time to say goodbye and catch one more glimpse (and photo) of the gorgeous cloud skimmers as the balloons fly over targets at the airport between 7:15 and 9 a.m.  Gates will remain open until the event concludes at approximately 11:00 a.m.

For fly-in events on Saturday and Sunday morning, balloons will be launched from at least two miles away and fly over the event grounds at the Gainesville Municipal Airport.  Launch site and time will vary depending on weather and wind direction.

Friday admission is $5 for adults and children/students over 42 inches and over.  Saturday admission is $5 for children/students over 42 inches and $10 for adults and includes the headliner Saturday night concert.  Children under 42 inches are admitted free.  All proceeds go the North Texas Medical Center Foundation, for the benefit of North Texas Medical Center in Gainesville.  Advance tickets will be available beginning at North Texas Medical Center and all First State Bank locations.

All activities for The Sky’s The Limit are weather-permitting.  All times are approximate and schedule may change without notice.  Go to www.theskysthelimit.org or follow us on Facebook for the latest news as the event approaches.

Directions:

From DFW:  Gainesville, Texas, is located 65 miles north of DFW on Interstate 35-N.  Exit Highway 82 West-Wichita Falls, go three miles.  Gainesville Municipal Airport is on the right.

From Sherman-Denison:  Gainesville, Texas, is located 32 miles west of Sherman on US Highway 82 East. Gainesville Municipal Airport is on your right 3 miles past the I-35 interchange.

From Wichita Falls:  Gainesville, Texas, is located 75 miles east of Wichita Falls on US Highway 82.  Gainesville Municipal Airport is on your left as you enter the city limits.

From Oklahoma:  Gainesville, Texas, is located 7 miles south of the Oklahoma/Texas border, on Interstate 35-S.  Exit Highway 82 West – Wichita Falls, go three miles.  Gainesville Municipal Airport is on the right.

For more information:

Website:              www.theskysthelimit.org

Facebook:           The Sky’s The Limit

Phone:                 940-612-8607

Email:                    [email protected]