RIPON - A total of 50,000 toys will be given away to children at this weekend’s Color the Skies of Ripon hot air balloon festival, according to organizer Jessica Coleman.

A Modesto couple has donated a semi-truck filled with toys to be given to children coming to the event.  Each child is to be given a paper bag for their choice of three toys.

Among the selections are 8,700 “Super Soaker Blasters,” among others from the Modesto warehouse.

The mound of toys will be located near the hospitality tent at Mistlin Sports Park on Saturday and Sunday.

The fifth annual Color the Skies Balloon festival starts Saturday and Sunday before dawn at Ripon’s Mistlin Sports Park on River Road just east of Jack Tone Road. It will benefit Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera.

Some 25 hot air balloons lift off both mornings shortly after dawn. The event also includes a pancake breakfast, kite flying demonstrations, one mile and 5K races, skydiving exhibitions, fighter jet flyovers with $5,000 back seat reserved rides, children’s Fun Run, and a tri-tip lunch.

Entry to the festival is free but there is a $5 donation for parking at the park.

For more information or for discount and group tickets to events at the festival visit www.colortheskies.com.