Fate Of 2020 NJ Festival Of Ballooning Still Undecided

READINGTON, NJ — The fate of the highly popular and anticipated annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning for 2020 remains undecided as of Monday. However, good news may be on the horizon.

Howard Freeman, executive producer of the festival, said he is "cautiously optimistic"about being able to save the festival.

Currently Freeman is in talks with a potential sponsor for the 2020 festival and is in the final stages of negotiations.

"We are closing in on something that will be mutually beneficial for the sponsor and us," Freeman said.

The festival's fate came into question after long-time sponsor QuickChek decided to pull out. Freeman had to secure a new sponsor by Jan. 31 to ensure there is enough time to plan for the festival for this upcoming July. (See Related: NJ Festival Of Ballooning Could Be Canceled, Needs Sponsor)

He pushed back the deadline after Freeman said he got a call on Jan. 28 from an agency representing a client. Freeman is hoping to announce good news in a week or two.

Without a title sponsor the festival is in jeopardy of not continuing in 2020, which would be the event's 37th year in operation.

The festival is held annually at the Soleberg Airport in Readington. For more information on the festival visit balloonfestival.com.

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