Get ready to set your eyes towards the skies, because the 29th Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship is coming to town.
This event will run from Sept. 13 through Sept. 15. It will be held at the Anstaff Soccer Complex, in Harrison.
Everything kicks off on Friday with gates opening at 4 p.m. Starting at 4, there will be a petting zoo, camel rides, the Boy Scouts Kids Zone, and helicopter rides, provided by Arkansas Helicopters. From 7-9 p.m., there will be a free concert from National Park Radio.
After the concert, the balloon glow will start, where the balloons will be tethered and will light up the night sky.
Events continue Saturday with balloon race competitions starting at 7 a.m.
Starting at noon, there will be a cornhole tournament. At 4 p.m., the Harrison Police & Fire Department will have their vehicles on display for the public to see. Music continues with performances from the Harrison High School Jazz Band, Edden Moon and 7 South. There will another balloon glow that evening.
The event will wrap up Sunday with more balloon flights and competitions. Admission is free.
Tethered balloon rides will happen on Saturday evening. A general pass will cost $15. A Go Pass to skip the line will cost $40. Both of these passes can be purchased at the event, A VIP Go Pass, with first access to the Go passes, will cost $100 and must be purchased in advance by calling (870) 741-1789. Due to demand and weather variables, all tickets will be 100% refundable.
There will be 18 balloons this year. “We have grown our number of balloons significantly from last year,” said Matt Bell, executive director of Explore Harrison. “In addition, we have partnered with Grandma's House to allow kids to decorate kites and fly them on Saturday,”
Bell also stated that 48 different vendors will be on hand. He also expects over 3,000 spectators will attend the championship this year.
The best time to view the hot air balloons flying through the beautiful skies of Harrison, is on Saturday or Sunday from approximately 7 - 9 a.m. at the First Baptist Church which is located at 1400 S. Pine St.
