Fifth annual Citrus Balloon Classic

With thirty hot air balloons inflated and illuminated at sunset, and operating morning tethered balloon rides for the public, the Citrus Balloon Classic is fast becoming known as Ventura County’s only hot air balloon festival.

Festivities lift off Friday at 6:30 am with Sunrise Balloons, offering tether balloon rides to the public (and mass balloon ascensions if weather permits*).  Spectators marvel watching up close as pilots and crew operate these fantastical giants. The fun continues with the Kids Discovery Fest, a new, budget-friendly attraction with free parking and sack lunches permitted. Kids and parents alike enjoy many free, interactive learning and crafts in Agriculture Alley and Balloon Discovery. Stations include a citrus ranch tour, top 10 Crops of Ventura County, hydroponics, beneficial insects, scavenger hunt, build-a-balloon crafts, water balloons, walk-in balloon display and Nifty Balloons Stage Show. Inflatables, water balls, kiddie train, face painting, and a recycled art contest keep all entertained. After the outdoor concert by Skick, a sizzling new youth band from Simi Valley, Kids Discovery Fest concludes and gates are closed at 4 p.m.

Gates re-open at 5pm for the Evening Glow showcasing the Ventura County Winery Association’s Tasting Pavilion, live music by Cole Citrenbaum, and the popular Sunset Wine Dinner, a delicious al fresco wine dinner with limoncello tastings. As pilots from across the nation prepare their hot air balloons, crowds enjoy food and craft vendors, carnival games, and the Headliner Concert by Caught Red-Handed, a country-western favorite from Camarillo. Then the hot air balloons inflate and illuminate during the Evening Balloon Glow. The ferris wheel will offer amazing birds-eye views for photo buffs and kids alike. The celebration continues after the Balloon Glow with limoncello specialty cocktails and hot Latin and pop favorites by Juano & Friends. 

Festivities continue Saturday morning with Sunrise Balloons and tether balloon rides available to the public (and mass balloon ascensions  if weather permits*).  Spectators enjoy delicious breakfast food vendors, or get active with water balls, Build ‘Em-Race’Em Cars, zumba dance demonstrations, carnival games and ferris wheel, inflatables, kiddie rides, face painting, and craft vendors. The Topa Topa Flywheel Tractors captivate all with their vintage tractor parade and century-old pump and piston display. Starting at 10:30am, the Fillmore & Western Train offers festivalgoers free train shuttles between the balloon festival to historic downtown Santa Paula. The Taste of Ventura County Tasting Pavilion offers samples of limoncello vinaigrette, baked goods, salsas, gourmet olive oils and local food products,  hosted by Rancho Camulos Museum (12pm-6pm). Live music kicks off at 1pm with local favorites including Durango 95, the Shoemaker Brothers, Kyle Hunt and the King Gypsy, Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats. The hot local talent pairs nicely with the Craft Beer and Wine Tasting Pavilions and the Glow N’Show Car Show (2pm-7pm) for a relaxing summer afternoon.  

Anticipation builds as historic biplanes and skydivers of the Santa Paula Airport fly overhead. The Headliner Concert with Army of Freshman at 7pm  jump starts the Evening Glow of the Blue Moon sponsored by Miller Coors. Spectators again marvel as the hot air balloons inflate and glow among the crowd. Then Ventura’s Big Band takes the stage and festival goers dance the night away, as the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival draws its summer sizzle to a close for a fifth year. 

The Citrus Classic Balloon Festival is a non-profit event of the Santa Paula Community Fund. It  provides fundraising opportunities for over 16 linked charities and service organizations including Interface Children and Family Services, Santa Paula Valley Hospice, Future Farmers of America, CERT, Santa Paula Optimist Club, Santa Paula Boys & Girls Club, and 6 teams and Band from the Santa Paula High School.

For details, visit www.citrusclassicballoons.com or contact Carla Edwards, Event Organizer. and Saturday July 28 (6:30 am-11:30 pm) 

COST:  

Friday and Saturday Tickets: Adults $8 advance prior to July 4th/$10 gate; Youth (5-14) $4 advance prior to July 4th/$5 gate; 5 and under free