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1. How will I know if balloon lift offs are cancelled?

Hot air balloon weather conditions are contingent upon many factors including wind, clouds, fog, and rain. If there is inclement weather that prohibits safe flying, we will post an update on our Frederick In Flight website event page, add a News & Highlights news flash on the website homepage, and post on social media (Facebook and Twitter) as soon as we are notified by the Hot Air Balloon event producer and FAA. Cancellation of the morning events can come at any time before scheduled lift-offs at 6 am. 

2. Can I ride in a balloon?

Yes! You can sponsor a balloon for the event. The "Bucket List" sponsorship is $400 and includes a flight for two people (maximum) in a hot air balloon during one morning lift off. Anyone can sponsor a balloon, including a business, organization, or people. 

Balloon lift-off is weather-dependent, and you run the risk of cancellation. Sponsorship is non-refundable. Fill out the online Event Sponsor Form or call 720.382.5513 to lift off!

3. Are dogs allowed at events?

Yes! You can bring your fur baby on a leash. Please be aware events can be crowded and noisy. If your pup is hard to control or easily excited, Town events may not be a good idea.

4. Will there be food at these events?

Yes! Some of the tastiest local restaurants will be landing their vendors in Centennial Park for Frederick in Flight. 
Breakfast vendors start at 5 am on June 25 and 26. 
Breakfast vendors include: 

• Back 9 Restaurant at Bella Rosa
• Tommy Boy Mini Donuts
• Redemption Road Coffee

On June 25 at 5 pm there will be food vendors at our Balloon Bash.
Food vendors include: 

• Cirque Kitchen
• Edge Gourmet Street Kitchen
• Georgia Boys BBQ 
• Happy Cones CO
• Infinitus Pie 
• Kona Ice
• Original By Greeks LLC
• Rositas Trokita
• ShortD's
• Simply Le Crepes
• Tommy Boy Mini Donuts
• VJ Concession, LLC
• Waffle Cakes

5. What should I wear for the balloon lift off?

Our hot air balloons are scheduled to go up around 6 am (weather permitting) so we recommend bundling up a bit! Bring a hat, gloves, and get a hot cup of coffee from our coffee vendor in the park, Redemption Road Coffee. 

6. Do I need to pay to attend these events?

No! The Town of Frederick is happy to provide its residents community events that everyone can participate in. Information Station Pre-Party, Frederick in Flight hot air balloon watching, and Saturday night Balloon Bash, are all free to attend. 

If you would like to support our events, our market vendors will be at Centennial Park on June 24 for a small town market. Local food vendors will be at Frederick in Flight's balloon liftoffs and Balloon Bash offering excellent food on June 25 and 26.  

If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon and support our pilots, you can become a Frederick in Flight Sponsor!

7. What are the weather conditions hot air balloon pilots consider for safe flying?

Ideal weather for hot air balloon flight consists of clear skies with good visibility, light winds on the surface, and moderate winds aloft (less than 25 knots at 9,000 ft above sea level). Pilots also look for good wind direction, generally winds out of the west, no cold front activity in the area, no precipitation in the forecast, and no forecast of developing windy conditions through the morning hours. Moderate temperatures also play a role as very hot temperatures affect balloon performance and safety.

8. What are the criteria to have a balloon-friendly property?

Being a balloon-friendly property means allowing hot air balloons to land on your land. How will hot air balloons know that you're a balloon-friendly property? Here are a few criteria to consider: 

Safe landing area parameters for landowners who would like balloons landing on their property:

• The area must be large enough for the balloons to land, a minimum of about 100 ft by 100 ft, clear of trees, fences, power lines, buildings, livestock, and any other obstructions.
• The area must be accessible by the balloon chase vehicle for pack-up.
• The area needs to be dry with no ditches running through the area.
• Balloons will make noise with their burners, so make sure you do not have sensitive livestock near the area you would like balloons to land.
• Please indicate the area you would like the balloons to land with a white sheet spread out so it is visible from the air.

Thank you for considering making your property available for hot air balloon landings. If balloons land on your property, we hope you come out and introduce yourselves to the pilots and crews.

9. Is there a history of the hot air balloon lift off cancelations?

Year	# of Balloons	Event Details	What Happened
2022	27	2 day event/glow & candlestick	No lift offs on Saturday or Sunday due to weather. Balloon Bash on Saturday night was a success with all planned activities, candlesticking, and eight balloons glowed.
2021	40	3 day event/glow & candlestick	Lift off success on Friday and Sunday. Saturday lift off canceled. Glow party did candlestick only
2020	0	3 day event/glow & candlestick	Cancelled due to COVID
2019	35	3 day event/glow & candlestick	No lift offs on all three days. Glow party canceled. RAIN!
2018	33	3 day event/glow & candlestick	Lift off success on Saturday. Friday & Sunday lift off canceled.
2017	35	3 day event/glow & candlestick	Lift off success all three days!
2016	33	3 day event/glow & candlestick	Lift off success on Friday and Sunday. Saturday & glow weathered out, able to candlestick.
2015	30	3 day event/candlestick only	Lift off success on Friday and Sunday. Saturday lift off canceled.
2014	27	3 day event/candlestick only	Lift off success on Friday and Saturday. Sunday lift off canceled.
2013	24	3 day event/candlestick only	Lift off success all three days! Candlestick weathered out on Saturday night.
2012	24	3 day event/candlestick only	Lift off success both days!
2011	17	3 day event/no glow or candlestick	Lift off success both days!