New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning — Local services in Fairfield

Know before you go: Do NOT assume you can roll in, pay the various fees, and see balloons. There are FIVE public opportunities for observing balloon launches - Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday mornings at 6:30 am. That's it. There may be tethered or partially inflated balloons at other times, but nothing involving a mass ascension. NOTE Balloons will not fly in wind, fog, rain, low ceiling, or a host of other weather related issues. In a typical year they will fly three of the five times, hence the three stars. If you call the hotline to find out if balloons will launch, listen carefully for the word "optimistic" or any synonyms. Optimism is great, but wishing and positivity won't launch balloons. If they express optimism and say things like "we're hopeful" but not certainty, the reality is that you're probably gonna be out of luck, and there are no refunds. Thrifty balloon goers will simply hang out in the parking lot, which will avoid the crazy prices to get in, baking in the sun, having your lunch confiscated, etc. Be advised you may strike gold -- you may have beautiful balloons fly right over you. On the other hand, you may not see much of anything if the air currents send balloons due north. A lot of snack and drink manufacturers give out free samples. If this interests you, go on Friday night. By Saturday afternoon they will be out. If you go to the festival and the balloons don't fly, you just have to make the best of it. Check out the vendor booths, put the kids on an overpriced ride, enjoy the various musical acts. They tend to have some sort of thrill show to provide additional entertainment. If you try and time your arrival for 6:30, be prepared to sit in traffic on an approach road while the balloons fly in all their glory while you suffer. If you stay for the evening concert, fireworks, etc, be prepared for a long siege in chaotic exit traffic. Wear boots that can get muddy. Bring folding chairs, perhaps an umbrella, and as much cash as you can fit in your pocket. If you see the mass inflation and ascension, it will be worth...

The promoter of this event should get out of the business as he clearly has no clue how to run it successfully. In addition the decision to cancel it 2 years in a row for the reasons cited is a lie. He probably is not financially stable to organize and promote such an event at this point. Yes, costs do go up, however, there are countless entertainment acts (bands) that can be contracted for a reasonable fee through booking entertainment. This promoter doesn't want to spend the money. As far as weather is concerned, this event has been in place for decades. Now all of a sudden weather is an issue? There are ways to deal with this such as extra tents. Inasmuch there are ways to offset rising costs to run the event. The great people who come to this event shouldnt be denied this. Its time for this promoter to step down and get out. The nj lottery should also walk away from...

I went there because I want the ride on the balloons, because it was windy the canceled everything, but the just give me back the price of the ride but they make it me buy entrance tickets, almost 80 bucks…. They didn’t...