The 7th Annual Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled for Oct. 1 and 2, returns with more than two dozen balloons, the popular balloon glow, tethered balloon rides, crowd-favorite activities and new features sure to entertain guests of all ages.
This year, at least 24 pilots hailing from 10 different states will participate in the event. Balloon enthusiasts have the opportunity to talk with pilots at a special “Meet the Pilots” session on the second day of the festival. Some pilots are based in Tennessee, while others are traveling from as far away as Michigan.
One of the few balloon festivals to feature a balloon glow, the Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival has a glow scheduled for each evening of the event. The nightly glow features the balloons grouped around the school’s pond, “glowing” to synchronized music as pilots take turns igniting their burners.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience what it is like to fly in a hot air balloon by taking a tethered balloon ride. The tethered balloon generally rises 50-60 feet in the air, depending on wind and weather conditions. Tethered balloon rides are available during both days of the event, weather permitting. There is an additional fee for the rides.
In addition to balloons and balloon-related activities, there are many other crowd-pleasers at the festival. The live stage features musical acts ranging from country and bluegrass to vocal ensembles and a dance-the-night-away funk band. Artisans and food vendors will be on hand selling hand-crafted arts and crafts, as well as a wide variety of refreshments. Additional entertainment includes dog performance shows, the Knoxville Zoo’s talking bird and a live television taping by East Tennessee PBS’s Chef Garrett Scanlan. There is also a special Pellissippi State alumni homecoming which will welcome back 34 years worth of graduates.
As in years past, there is a special section for children at the festival. The area includes arts and crafts, face painting and many activities geared to youngsters. New features for young guests this year include a Kite Flight and a children’s Book Nook. Children are encouraged to bring their own kite to the 1-3 p.m. kite flying session on Oct. 2, or they may make their own small one while at the festival. The Book Nook offers the opportunity to relax while listening to classic stories being read aloud.
The Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival is the school’s signature fundraising event for the Pellissippi State Foundation, which raises money that supports programs directly impacting students. For the second consecutive year, the event has been designated by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast.” It is the only Knoxville-based event to receive the recognition for the month of October and one of only four Knoxville-based events to earn the honor for fall 2010.
Festival hours are 4-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 and noon-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. Admission is $10 per day per vehicle and $5 per day per spectator for those who choose to park off-site. Some activities, in addition to the tethered balloon rides, have on-site fees. For additional information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.pstcc.edu/balloons or call (865) 694-6400.

