Events & Activities, Featured, Local News

Quechee hot air balloon festival lifts off for 42nd anniversary

June 17-19 —QUECHEE — The Quechee Hot Air Balloon Craft and Music Festival, the longest running hot air balloon festival in New England, will celebrate its 42nd anniversary, when thousands are expected to flock to central Vermont, June 17-19, 2022 (Father’s Day weekend).

Twenty balloonists headline the event with five flights slated throughout the weekend and additional tethered rides during the day. Attendees can visit with 50 craft vendors, indulge in a variety of fare from 16 food vendors and sit back and enjoy dozens of entertainers for all ages, over the three-day extravaganza. Children’s activities include bubble machines, rock climbing wall, bounce house and more. A variety of festival favorites and new food offerings with local healthy options and a beer and wine garden are planned.

Photos courtesy of Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce
Hot air balloons take off in Quechee at the 2021 festival. The annual event is Father’s Day weekend, June 17-19, this year.

“After getting back on track in 2021 we’re proud to celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival which truly epitomizes what a community event stands for,” said P.J. Skehan, executive director of the Hartford Area Chamber, who hosts and manages the annual event. “Our sponsors, volunteers and the town come together and rally each year to make this a benchmark event.”

Festival goers have much to choose from during the three-day event. They can start their day at sunrise and watch morning balloon lift-offs while indulging in breakfast pizza and coffee. The afternoon can be spent enjoying stellar entertainment or visiting the various artisans and food vendors. During evening liftoff, you can grab dinner and sit hillside on the Quechee Green or consider waiting until dusk for the balloon-glow show.

Headlining this year’s three-day extravaganza of entertainers are Prydein (Friday) The ConniptionFits (Saturday) and Jay Nash (Sunday).

“The Quechee Balloon Festival is a great boost to our economy and local businesses,” added Skehan. “We are giving the thousands of locals and visitors who support the event many reasons tocome to the festival and celebrate with us. This really is just a fun time for everyone.”

Dates for the Quechee Balloon Festival are June 17-19, 2022 (Father’s Day weekend).
Hours are as follows: Friday from 3-10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

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