Carolina BalloonFest
  • Home
  • Sponsors
  • Vendor Interest
  • Contact Us
    • FAQs
    • Guest Guide >
      • On The Breeze Blog
      • Greater Statesville
Tether Hot Air Balloon Rides
Experience the feeling of ascension inside a tethered hot air balloon! 
Picture
Re/Max 1
Pete Colwell
Click for the Full Article
ReMax pilot, Pete Colwell, raises funds with this attraction at our festival and donates 100% proceeds to National Balloon Rally Charities to donate to local nonprofits.
What most people don’t know, however, is that the original Re/Max balloon was manufactured (40 years) ago in Statesville.
 
“It was actually built here in Statesville by Tracy Barnes at the Balloon Works (now named FireFly Balloons), and they flew it for the first time, (40 years ago)...at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta,” Pilot Pete Colwell said.

Picture
Ridem 1
matthew mcclinton
Picture
Ridem 3
adam mcclinton
How much does a tether ride cost?
Tether rides cost $10 for Children (age 10 & younger) and for Adults. You cannot pre-purchase a tether ride; this attraction is first-come, first-serve. Tether pilots accept cash only. 
Are tether rides dependent on the weather as well?
Yes, tether rides are weather-dependent, just like flights. Our Flight Director and the Tether Pilots will make this safety decision each day of the festival.
What is the tether ride schedule?
Tether Pilots will be available on the field Friday, Saturday & Sunday and will offer rides when favorable weather conditions permit this activity. Due to this circumstance, we cannot post an absolute schedule for this attraction.

Tether Pilots will offer rides during these estimated times: 
  • Friday, Saturday & Sunday afternoons after the mass ascension 
  • Saturday & Sunday mornings between 7 - 10 AM
How do I get a tether ride?
Since this attraction operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, our festival patrons wait in line for their opportunity to ride. Please be advised, this line can become very long so be attentive as to when tether pilots are setting up their balloons. 
How high will the tether balloon rise?
You'll rise approximately 30-50  feet in the air while being anchored to the ground. 
How long will my tether balloon experience last?
Due to the large demand of this attraction, patrons will tether in the air for about 3-5 minutes, providing you a bird's eye view of the festival. Bring your camera! 
Picture
Rain or Shine... Carolina BalloonFest is open October 15-17, 2021!  
Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. All ballooning activities including static display, tethered rides and balloon flights are weather-dependent.  The decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the scheduled ballooning activity.  Please note that due to the popularity of our festival, our admissions booths will close when we reach maximum capacity. This is a decision out of our control and made by local law enforcement.  Tickets are non-refundable. National Balloon Rally Charities donates a portion of our festival proceeds to other local nonprofits and surrounding community agencies. 
#carolinaballoonfest
HOME
SCHEDULE
SPONSORS
FAQs
TICKETS
BOOK A RIDE
GALLERY
MEDIA
CONTACT US
©2020 National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc. is an incorporated 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all contributions are tax deductible. A portion of proceeds raised through Carolina BalloonFest are distributed to local nonprofit organizations. ​PO Box 267 ~ Statesville NC 28687
Festival Location is near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677. ​Parking will be available on site and at park and ride. NO ROADSIDE PARKING - vehicles will be towed where NO PARKING signs are posted. Walk in spectators will not be admitted. Ticket scanning will be in progress.

©2020 National Balloon Rally Charities, Inc.       Site Designed and Lovingly Cared for by Haley Jones 
  • Home
  • Sponsors
  • Vendor Interest
  • Contact Us
    • FAQs
    • Guest Guide >
      • On The Breeze Blog
      • Greater Statesville