The biggest hot air balloon festival in the Central Valley returns this weekend in Ripon under a new name.

The former Color the Skies is now known as Soaring Over Ripon thanks to Rosanna Lehmann.

“We took to the community to vote on the name change and (Rosanna) came up with the winner,” said Tamra Spade, who is the Executive Director for the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, the Ripon Chamber Foundation took over the two-day Labor Day weekend event founded by Jessica Coleman.  She and her husband, Greg, a longtime board member for Valley Children’s Hospital, worked to bring the hot air balloon festival to the area in part to raise funds for the hospital several years ago.

The hot air balloon and kite festival along with the community Fourth of July fireworks show and the upcoming LobsterFest – the second annual Mardi Gras-theme is Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Ripon Community Center, 334 W. Fourth St., from 5-10 p.m.  (209.599.7519 for more information) – are the three events hosted by the Chamber Foundation, according to Spade.

For the exception of the sky divers, Soaring Over Ripon will be much like the previous events, including the carnival rides at the Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 W. River Rd.

Cost for parking is $5. Admission is free.

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).

uPancake Breakfast is Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under.

uThe kite festival is planned for 1 p.m. on both day, weather permitting.

Proceeds from the Fun Run will benefit the various youth organizations in town as well as Valley Children’s Hospital, Spade said.

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