Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns to Kingston for 37th Year

Colorful hot air balloons, the feet-tapping sounds from John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band, the Flying Wallendas, a statewide BBQ competition as well as an assortment of activities and food vendors offer something for everyone at the 37th Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, set for July 17–19 at the URI Athletic Fields on Route 138 in Kingston.

The festival kicks off Friday evening with a spectacular Balloon Glow. Balloonists fire up their burners to light the balloon envelopes on cue to create a brilliant scene against the darkening sky. Tethered rides may be purchased from individual balloonists to rise 150 feet above the crowd. Visitors to the festival can enjoy the warm and impressive glow of the balloons while listening to the legendary East Coast rock ‘n roll group of John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band, a long-time Rhode Island favorite. Saturday evening’s Balloon Glow will be followed at 9 p.m. with a dazzling display of fireworks. Attendees can spread out a blanket or relax on their lawn chairs while enjoying each evening’s entertainment as well as a variety of food choices from numerous vendors.

All balloon inflations and events are, of course, dependent on weather conditions, but organizers are planning for the balloons to rise four times during the festival, at dusk on Friday and Saturday evenings and at dawn on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the weekend to keep visitors entertained between the balloon inflations. One of the oldest circus families, the Flying Wallendas, will perform their famous daredevil tightrope act seven times throughout the festival. A Cruise-In Car Show is set for Saturday afternoon featuring Corvettes, Classics and Modern Muscle Cars. The results of the Fourth Annual Rhode Island State BBQ Competition will be announced on Sunday. About 50 teams are expected to vie for a chance to win $1,000 and represent the State at the national BBQ championship later this year.

Children and adults alike can enjoy carnival rides and games, the Airborne Jugglers, Traveling Magic Clowns, a rock climbing wall, arts and crafts vendors, the Rotary Club’s free fishing pond and train ride, the food court, and more. This year, music will be provided on Saturday by Chakulla & The Hunger Bus, a national touring musician dedicated to raising awareness and support for food banks, soup kitchens or other efforts to feed the hungry among us.

Over its 37-year history, the Balloon Festival, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield, has grown from a small gathering of balloon enthusiasts to a full-fledged Rhode Island summer fair, which has been rated a Top 20 Rhode Island event by Yankee magazine in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The event has raised more than $1.6 million over those years and all have used the net proceeds go to support numerous local charities and annual scholarships in South Kingstown and Narragansett.

As always, special events, free children’s activities, a craft vendor fair, and much more are included with admission at just $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under. A packaged family admission for two parents and children is $25. Parking is free. RV camping is available on site.

For more information and event updates, visit www.southcountyballoonfest.com.