End the summer season on a high note at Callaway Gardens. Set for Sept. 3-5, the 12th annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival has something for everyone, from the soaring, majestic, colorful balloons to Callaway Gardens’ unique mix of natural beauty, to its endless helpings of multi-generational activities and events.
Festivities kick off Friday night at Robin Lake Beach as ballons are inflated for the Balloon Glow.
On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, the balloons head for the open skies (weather permitting) at sunrise and sunset.
Be a part of the high flying balloon action when you sign up to be on a Balloon Chase Crew. Crew members are assigned to assist pilots throughout the weekend with setting up balloons, chasing them when they are in the air and then bringing them back to Callaway after landing. For more information, contact Greg Brannen at 706-663-5043 or gbrannen@callawaygardens.com.
On the ground, the action continues as Robin Lake Beach plays host to a family festival featuring activities and events for all ages. Choose from tethered balloon rides (weather permitting, fee), a rock climbing wall (fee), bungee jump (fee), sandcastle building, swimming, miniature golf, kite building, t-shirt tie-dyeing (fee) and more.
As well, a Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday with more than 100 expected to attend.
New this year, Robin Lake will host the 26th Nautique Kneeboard Nationals and the 5th International Kneeboard Riders Cup throughout the weekend. Also new this year will the opportunity to walk inside a balloon envelope. Saturday’ admission includes a Saturday night concert by country music artist Kevin Sport, on Robin Lake Beach from 7-8:30 p.m. to be followed by the movie "Marmaduke" on the Beach at dusk.
The athletically-inclined can enjoy their own adventures thanks to the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series, including a 5K run and the Triathlon on Sunday morning. This year represents the 30th anniversary of the Triathlon at Callaway Gardens. It is the oldest triathlon in the South and one of the longest continuous running triathlons in the continental United States. Register at http://www.active.com.
Festival admission is $25 per adult (ages 13-64); $20 per senior (65+); $12.50 per child (ages 6-12); and free for children five and younger. This price includes access to Callaway Gardens’ and its many attractions and activities. As an incentive to witness the morning launches, admission at the U.S. Hwy. 27 Beach gate will be half-price from 6-9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Stay around and enjoy the entire weekend with friends and family on the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Weekend Package. Starting at $159, this offer includes accommodations in the Mountain Creek Inn; admission to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival; four tickets to make tie-dye T-shirts at the Festival on Saturday or Sunday; breakfast in the Plant Room, Country Kitchen or Piedmont Dining Room; admission to Callaway Gardens and its many attractions; use of the Mountain Creek Inn Fitness Center.
Callaway Gardens, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.
http://www.callawaygardens.com
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