The Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce released the details of its 8th annual Balloon Festival earlier this month.
The four-day long event is floating across Pahrump from its new location at Ian Deutch Park.
“This is a community event,” said Jenney Sartin, CEO of the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, earlier this month. “This was the last big event before everything shut down, and we’re excited that we’re going to be the first big event for reopening.”
The change of venue from the festival’s regular spot at Petrack Park to Ian Deutch was due to the state’s requirements due to the health emergency. Due to these requirements, large gatherings submit a safety plan and that large outdoor events be fenced to keep track of the crowd size.
“We have to be able to be inside a fenced venue, so that we can monitor the number of people coming in, do health checks and remind everyone to mask up and follow CDC social distancing requirements,” Sartin said. “Additionally, in order to efficiently track the number of entrants and comply with the State’s COVID-19 safety requirements, a small gate fee will be charged as part of presale tickets through Eventbrite,” the chamber’s release states. “With exception of the carnival rides, tickets can only be purchased online through Eventbrite. You will be able to select your group time when you purchase your ticket.”
Ticket information is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-pahrump-balloon-festival-tickets-141498009355
The chamber stated earlier this month that large gatherings are still under the jurisdiction of the state and attendees must wear face coverings in public spaces and adhere to social distancing. Attendees must have a mask on to be admitted to the park.
Get ready to soar
The event kicked off on Thursday, April 29 at 4 p.m.
“Balloons are scheduled to begin their assent into the sky at approximately 7 a.m. and residents can watch as the balloonists inflate their massive aircraft and drift up into the clouds,” a release from the chamber states.
The vendors and the carnival began on Thursday at 4 p.m., but the remaining three days will bring the vendors out at 8 a.m.
During the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), patrons will have a chance to experience the balloons themselves through tethered balloon rides. These rides will open at 8 a.m.
The chamber states, “The weekend festivities include: 20+ hot air balloons, “Glow Show”, tethered Hot Air Balloon rides, a carnival with fun rides for the whole family, vendors and great food, and the Saturday classic car show.”
The Balloon Glow in the park, where balloon teams inflate their aircraft and set them aglow with the burners used to propel them, is set to occur on Friday and Saturday nights.
The event will occur from April 29 to May 2.