Soaring Over Ripon — the biggest hot air balloon festival in the Central Valley — lifts off Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m.  from Mistlin Sports Park.
Hot air balloon launches are at 6 a.m. each day at the park along River Road between Jack Tone Road and North Ripon Road in north Ripon. The cost for parking is $5. Admission is free.
Soaring Over Ripon is a complete festival with vendors, food, and other activities. It is being staged by the Ripon Chamber Foundation.
The festival actually starts this afternoon with carnival midway rides from 4 to 9 p.m. Carnival rides are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The schedule for Soaring Over Ripon is as followed:
uHot air balloon launch is 6 a.m. on both days.
uVendor booths will be available from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
uFun Run is Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. Race-day registration will be available beginning at 6 o’clock (click on to www.riponchamber.org for more information).
Pancake Breakfast is Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under.
The kite festival is planned for 1 p.m. on both day, weather permitting.
The 10th annual Fun Run consists of a 5K and 10K running events. Cost is $30 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K, and $10 for the children’s Fun Run. Proceeds from this event will help support the community and Valley Children’s Hospital. The start and finish of the Fun Run will take place at Mistlin Sports Park.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.