Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 23-24, 2024
August 23-24, 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the schedule for the Festival
See the event Facebook page for a complete schedule.
Is there room for vendors or sponsors?
The deadline was August 1 for both. If you have not received confirmation of your vendor spot or wristbands and a parking pass for your sponsorship, that means that we have not received your form and payment.
How do I arrange for a ride in a hot air balloon?
Balloon rides are not offered through the Metamora Chamber of Commerce. The pilots typically book the rides well in advance.
When do the balloons take off?
The pilots and crew begin to arrive on the launch field around 5:00 pm. Then they arrange their baskets and chase vehicles on the field based on the predicted wind direction. At 6:15, a pilots meeting is called to hear the weather briefing and learn of the current and forecasted winds, speeds and directions. The pilots then discuss whether or not they feel the conditions are safe for a flight. If it’s a GO, everything happens very quickly.
Are people allowed to get close to the balloons and look at them?
No. For your safety we request that spectators stay behind the roped off area. The preparations are fun to watch. So, bring a picnic and enjoy watching the preparations. The preparations make for some great pictures and the pilots can answer your questions during this time. There are no bikes or scooters and no motorized vehicles allowed on the field and ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!
What is a Hare and Hound Race?
Every year, the participating balloon pilots compete in the Hare and Hound Race. The Hare and Hound Race begins by a pilot inflating his/her balloon (the Hare Balloon). The Hare flies out of the launch field, flies for 15 to 20 minutes, lands and places a large X on the ground. Upon a given signal, the remaining pilots (the Hound Balloons) inflate their colorful balloons, take off, fly toward the Hare Balloon and drop their numbered bean bags as close to the large X as possible. Cash prize money and bragging right awaits the first, second and third place pilots closest to the X. There are slightly different wind directions at different elevations. The skilled pilot maneuvers between these elevations to steer his/her balloon to the large X and the prize. On August 26th and 27th, we will see a mass exodus of balloons from the launch field knowing the pilots are jockeying for position to reach the coveted X and secure the win.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Please clean up after your dog and bring your own clean-up bags. Dogs are also allowed on the shuttle bus.
Is there handicapped parking close to the balloon field?
Yes. There is a roped off parking area south of the Lions Hall. The handicapped parking is at the top of the hill right next to the balloon field. Please keep in mind though that it is a grass field and the ground is uneven.
Is there a fee for any events?
All events sponsored by the Metamora Chamber of Commerce are free. Some activities on the Lions field require a fee.
Is there food?
There are various food options in town and at the Lions field.
Where can I find up to date information about the event?
Stay informed and watch the Balloon portion of the festival event LIVE on the “Metamora Country Days & Hot Air Balloon Festival” Facebook page.
See the event Facebook page for a complete schedule.
Is there room for vendors or sponsors?
The deadline was August 1 for both. If you have not received confirmation of your vendor spot or wristbands and a parking pass for your sponsorship, that means that we have not received your form and payment.
How do I arrange for a ride in a hot air balloon?
Balloon rides are not offered through the Metamora Chamber of Commerce. The pilots typically book the rides well in advance.
When do the balloons take off?
The pilots and crew begin to arrive on the launch field around 5:00 pm. Then they arrange their baskets and chase vehicles on the field based on the predicted wind direction. At 6:15, a pilots meeting is called to hear the weather briefing and learn of the current and forecasted winds, speeds and directions. The pilots then discuss whether or not they feel the conditions are safe for a flight. If it’s a GO, everything happens very quickly.
Are people allowed to get close to the balloons and look at them?
No. For your safety we request that spectators stay behind the roped off area. The preparations are fun to watch. So, bring a picnic and enjoy watching the preparations. The preparations make for some great pictures and the pilots can answer your questions during this time. There are no bikes or scooters and no motorized vehicles allowed on the field and ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING!
What is a Hare and Hound Race?
Every year, the participating balloon pilots compete in the Hare and Hound Race. The Hare and Hound Race begins by a pilot inflating his/her balloon (the Hare Balloon). The Hare flies out of the launch field, flies for 15 to 20 minutes, lands and places a large X on the ground. Upon a given signal, the remaining pilots (the Hound Balloons) inflate their colorful balloons, take off, fly toward the Hare Balloon and drop their numbered bean bags as close to the large X as possible. Cash prize money and bragging right awaits the first, second and third place pilots closest to the X. There are slightly different wind directions at different elevations. The skilled pilot maneuvers between these elevations to steer his/her balloon to the large X and the prize. On August 26th and 27th, we will see a mass exodus of balloons from the launch field knowing the pilots are jockeying for position to reach the coveted X and secure the win.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs on a leash are allowed. Please clean up after your dog and bring your own clean-up bags. Dogs are also allowed on the shuttle bus.
Is there handicapped parking close to the balloon field?
Yes. There is a roped off parking area south of the Lions Hall. The handicapped parking is at the top of the hill right next to the balloon field. Please keep in mind though that it is a grass field and the ground is uneven.
Is there a fee for any events?
All events sponsored by the Metamora Chamber of Commerce are free. Some activities on the Lions field require a fee.
Is there food?
There are various food options in town and at the Lions field.
Where can I find up to date information about the event?
Stay informed and watch the Balloon portion of the festival event LIVE on the “Metamora Country Days & Hot Air Balloon Festival” Facebook page.
