RIPON — This Saturday and Sunday will mark the sixth year of Northern California’s only balloon festival that takes place at Mistlin Park starting at dawn both days. The weekend is packed with family-oriented events from hot air balloons with tethered rides, a pancake breakfast, aerial exhibitions, fun runs, crafts, and live entertainment.The Color the Skies balloon festival is a fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Central California located in Madera. “So many people in our area give to distant children’s hospitals without realizing that we have a world-class hospital here.