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Hudson Valley hot-air balloon fest returns for 33rd year

LAGRANGEVILLE — The 33rd annual Hudson Valley hot-air balloon festival will be held from Friday, Aug. 30, to Sunday, Sept. 1, at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville.

The weekend will have full hot-air balloon flights, tethered hot-air balloon flights, helicopter rides, fireworks, morning yoga, live music, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, local vendors, and many more family activities to participate in.

This year, there are five mass hot-air balloon ascensions with over 120 flights scheduled. There are two different full-flight times that people can choose from throughout the weekend. Morning flight check-in is at 5:30 a.m. and takes off at 6:30 a.m., and evening flight check-in is at 4:30 p.m. and departs at 5:30 p.m.

Morning admission on either Saturday or Sunday costs each person attending $13.95. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening admission costs $23.95. The festival also offers an all-weekend pass for $37.95, allowing admission for all dates and times. Admission tickets give access to the activities and vendors within the park, as well as seeing all of the balloons take off.

Full hot air balloon rides typically last up to 45 minutes and cost $350 per person and $30 for a tethered ride. The full flight requires a $75 deposit at the time of registration, and the remaining balance should be paid in cash on the day of the flight.

Tickets are only sold online and will not be available to buy at the gates. For more information and schedules, visit www.dcrcoc.org/balloonfesttickets

Colleen Flynn

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