.– Look up in the sky and witness the world’s oldest form of air travel as colorful hot air balloons dot the magnificent blue skies over Central Oregon! The very first hot air balloon flight was launched by a French scientist on Sept. 19, 1783, and the “passengers” on that maiden voyage wee a sheep, a duck and a rooster. All landed safely about about 15 minutes in the air.

This July, however, all the passengers will be human. Spectators can take in the magical lighting and launching of giant hot air balloons during one of Bend’s favorite summertime traditions. Crisp, early-morning launches and illuminating evening balloon glows will bookend each day of wonder and fascination for all.

Balloon Launches:

July 28th, 29th, & 30th at Sunrise

One special weekend every summer, the morning skies above Bend come alive with the entrancing rainbow colors of hot air balloons. Wake up the family early and get out to R.E. Jewell Elementary School to watch these sleeping giants come to life. Visitors might even get to meet a pilot and help inflate one of the behemoths. Or just stand back and watch the magic happen as support crews do their part to help the balloons rise into the sky to greet the morning sun.

Night Glow:

July 28th in Bend & July 29th at Sunriver Resort at Dusk

Visitors also are invited to Riverbend Park at dusk to watch the night-time balloon glow. Balloon crews inflate the orbs, which are tethered to the ground, but take on a life of their own when the pilot pulls on the propane lever. In the darkening summer evening, the balloons light up bigger than life. Illuminated hot air balloons make for a spectacular sight like nothing else. The evening balloon glows will thrill folks of all ages. On July 29 the evening balloon glow moves down to the Sunriver Resort south of Bend.

Children’s Festival:

July 29th from 10am-4pm

And for the kids, there’s even more fun to be shared at the Balloons Over Bend Children’s Festival on July 29  benefiting local nonprofit Saving Grace, as hands-on learning and creative arts fill the Des Chutes Historical Museum parking lot and adjoining grassy grounds for one fun-packed day. This marks the first year for this new location, conveniently located close to downtown with lots of parking.

Also new this year is a heavy equipment rodeo that will feature several excavator-type pieces of equipment for children to learn about and explore. The Bend Fire Department also will be on hand with its fire and emergency simulation trailer. Inside the trailer children can learn from interactive activities about how to handle fire emergencies, such as a smoking toaster, a stovetop fire and an sparking microwave. Children learn how to call 911 and interact with a live dispatcher on the other end, and how to use a simulated fire extinguisher to put out the flames.

Members of the Bend Endurance Academy will put on a bicycle rodeo, giving lessons on how to ride through and around obstacles, and overall bicycle safety. The grassy areas surrounding the museum parking lot will be loaded with art projects, hands-on experiments and other interactive activities for the children, including face painting provided by Saving Grace.

A selection of Bend’s best bounce houses, even one with a water feature, will be on site for children’s enjoyment. And back by popular demand is the stuffed animal corral, from which children get to pick out a favorite animal to take home as a souvenir. Last but not least, the $15 registration includes entry into the Des Chutes Historical Museum’s annual Summer Shootout Marble Tournament.

Tickets:

Balloons Over Bend Children’s Festival tickets and volunteer information are available at www.balloonsoverbend.com.