Stoweflake Ballon Festival, Stowe, Vermont
Stowe's Stoweflake Balloon Festival is an annual event put on by the Stoweflake Inn and Resort. The festival is usually held on a weekend in mid July. Balloon rides in July 2002 costs about $225.00. Don't be surprised to discover higher prices in future years.
A balloon ride is something that everyone should experience, at least once. The feeling of floating in a tiny basket is exhilerating. You can expect a ride to last between 30 and 90 minutes depending on wind and suitable landing places. The big enemy of ballooning is unsettled weather. If the wind aloft is not calm, the balloons will not go up, so be prepared for disappointments and check the weather before you book a ride. If your ride is scheduled for the morning, bring a sweater.
There are usually about 25 balloonists entered in the Stoweflake festival. The balloons go up at 6:30 am and 6:30 pm.
This web movie review is 9 MB and you can view in either in QuickTime or in Windows Media Player. A broadband connection is recomended. The movie is part of Scenes of Vermont on DVD.
See the Balloon Festival as a panorama
Click here for the Windows Media Player Version