Those opting to venture to Ripon’s Mistlin Sports Park this Saturday and Sunday at dawn to see hot air balloons take to the skies can enjoy a pancake breakfast both days.
Breakfast service will start at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, and Sunday, Sept. 3, to launch the Soaring Over Ripon hot air balloon festival. It includes events throughout both days at the park located at Jack Tone Road just north of Highway 99 that has parking for some 300 cars.
Crowds are expected to gather half an hour later at 6:30 to view the hot air balloon flight crews inflating their colorful airships with their gondolas set to carry folks to the southeast with the morning breezes that will carry them into Salida and beyond.
The registration for a fun run opens at 6:30 a.m. A prayer and the national Anthem are set for 7 a.m. The balloons are scheduled to take to the air at 7:30 a.m. Tethered balloon rides become available at the same time when local citizens can line up at $10 a ticket as the 5K and 10 K runs will get the starting gun.
At 8 a.m. the toy giveaway will see youngsters getting their special surprises as the 3K family run gets underway and the carnival and vendors open their booths until 3 p.m. Ravioli Clown will be greeting the kids throughout the Mistlin Park event.
The “Toddler Dash” is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. followed by the Desert Wind Dancers on the main stage. The Sky Dive California jump from overhead is set for 9:30 a.m. Air George Medical Helicopter is arriving at 10 a.m. with the Tae Kwon Do competitors exhibition set for the Main Stage.
At 10:30 a.m. is the Kite Candy Drop along with a Kite Show and the Patty Davis Band performing on the Main Stage.
The Air George Helicopter will depart from the center field at 11:30 a.m. followed by another Kite Candy Drop. The carnival and the vendors will continue to be open until 3.
Cost of the breakfast is $10 for adults and $7 for children. A similar schedule for Sunday is on tap also beginning at 6 a.m. The event is being staged by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce Foundation. For further information call the chamber office at 599-7519.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.
