Famed Balloon Festival Begins

Photo courtesy of the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival

By City News Service

Balloon rides, wine tastings, outdoor concerts and other entertainment will be available Friday through Sunday during the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.

The event, now in its 32nd year, will run all weekend in the Lake Skinner Recreation Area just east of Temecula.

According to organizers, tonight’s main stage entertainment will feature country music artists Chase Bryant, Kanan Road, Gloriana and Love and Theft, as well as the Southern California-based choir Resonate.

Eighties rocker John Waite will perform Saturday night, along with the Top 40 band Daughtry and the pop-and-punk group Plaint White T’s. Country music artists Cam and Chris Young will close out the weekend with performances Sunday afternoon.

There will be barrel races, during which derby cars drag old wine barrels up and down a track, along with dancing and an array of wines to enjoy, organizers said. Area vintners will be selling their products, and a food court will be open day and night, serving barbecue and other delights.

Hot air balloon rides will be going from sunrise to sunset, with the traditional “balloon glow” after 8 p.m., featuring airships igniting their burners in unison while aloft.

Tickets run between $5 and $50, depending on the age of the festival- goer, whether he or she qualifies for a military discount and the time of admission. The highest gate fee is for adults on Saturday.

More information is available at www.tvbwf.com.