The Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival sponsored by RE/MAX of New York, Inc. returns to Brookhaven Calabro Airport on Long Island, August 8, 9 and 10, featuring some of the world’s most magnificent hot air balloons.
To keep with the event’s theme “Reach for the Sky,” the festival will include more than 30 colorful and special shape hot air balloons. The balloons, which have graced skies in cities all around the world, will soar above the festival twice each day from 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. only, wind and weather permitting.
In addition to morning and evening hot air balloon inflations, the sky will be the backdrop for a fantastic array of mega-kites, including the world’s largest kite in the shape of the American flag. Kites will be part of two daily two hour shows, wind and weather permitting.
Special shaped balloons scheduled to appear at the Festival include:
Arky Balloon: For the first time in the northeast this colorful balloon features biblical Noah’s Ark with more than 28 animals the kids will love. Arky has flow all over the world, including Israel. More than 85 feet tall, 100 feet long and 55 feet wide, Arky is believed to be the most complex hot air balloon ever made.
America One Flag Balloon: Back for its second appearance this hot air balloon is larger than 700,000 three feet x five feet US flags together. This balloon is 53 feet tall, 78 feet wide, 29 feet from front to back and weighs 530 pounds. This enormous national icon will be sure to have every attendee feeling “American pride.”
Jumpin’ Jack Balloon: Based on the classic children’s toy will be a sure favorite to all the little guys. This hot air balloon stands more than 46 feet wide and 100 feet tall.
Oggy The Friendly Dragon Balloon: Proudly standing at 14 stories, this 800 pounds balloon is named after legendary lake monster “Oggopoggo” from Lake Okanogan, Canada.
“Patty” The Shamrock Balloon: This beautiful icon of Irish pride is sure to attract the attention of festival goers.
Statue of Liberty’s head Balloon: Returning for the second time, this balloon is piloted by Gerald Lefevre and has flown at events around the world including at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Energizer Bunny Hot “Hare” Balloon: At a height of more than 166 feet, this balloon is taller than the Statue of Liberty. The ears are 60 feet tall, which is as tall as the presidents’ faces on Mount Rushmore.
The Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival 2008 will also feature an outstanding lineup of over 40 bands and music artists performing all day long on three huge concert stages. The festival will include more than 100 hours of live music and other entertainment. A highlight will be the Party 105.3 Tenth Anniversary Mega Jam with something for every musical taste and age group.
Top performers and bands appearing over the weekend include Trio Zebra, The Saw Doctors, Push Play, Big Shot, The Machine (a touring Pink Floyd tribute band and spectacular laser light show), Dark Star Orchestra (recreating Grateful Dead shows, song for song, live), Unforgettable Fire (performing the music of U2), Bad Medicine (Tribute to Bon Jovi), Beginnings (Tribute to Chicago), Street Survivor (Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd) and many others.
The Astoria Federal Savings Children’s Jubilee will host Starfish, a children’s music rock band, Sunday morning, August 10. In addition, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Big Band and Show Band will perform several shows daily.
Additional favorites of the festival include:
· Monsters of Metal – Monster Truck Rally: Four world class monster trucks that will spring to life as they race, jump and perform amazing stunts.
· Newton Carnival Midway: Due to enormous demand, the carnival has been expanded, nearly doubling the number of rides and games from last year.
· Maximum Velocity Stunt Team: Professional BMX bike riders and skateboarders show their stuff.
· Team FMX: Skilled riders will demonstrate their mastery of their motocross dirt bikes as they jump high enough to “Reach for the Sky.”
· Mega-Kite Spectacular: A collection of colorful and special shaped mega-kites from all over the world will dance above everyone. The Guinness World Record “Largest Kite in the World,” known as the MegaFlag, is sure to be a breathtaking sight to see.
· Skydiving Performances: Forming synchronized patterns high in the sky.
· Purina Pet Pavilion featuring the Purina Incredible Dog Team: Dogs will perform extraordinary acrobatic tricks. At least 60 vendors will be on hand to talk “pets.” Special guests will be the tattoo-covered, tough guys from Rescue Ink.
· Home Improvement Show: For homeowners who are remodeling a kitchen, bath or making other home improvements.
· The Runway Rendezvous Car and Motorcycle Show: Dozens of the latest tricked out vehicles and many classics.
· Vintage Fire Truck Muster: The equipment that firefighters of bygone years depended upon.
· East End Helicopter Tour: Get a “balloon’s-eye” view of the entire festival and local beaches from a helicopter.
· Astoria Federal Savings Children’s Jubilee: Including Guinness Book of World Record Holding Juggler Bruce Sarafin; Starfish, a children’s music rock band; Kings of the Coast, an interactive live action family pirate show and the Parade of Children’s Characters.
· Eddy’s Long Island RV Show
· NY Marine Trades Association Boat Show
· Seafood Food Festival
Advance tickets are $20; children ages 5-11, $12 and kids four and under, free. For tickets, information and a schedule of performances, visit www.metronyballoonfest.com or call 516-794-4444.
