Courtesy Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival
Back after a one-year hiatus, the Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival, will occupy the Saratoga County Fairgrounds on Aug. 27- 29.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the festival organizers moved from the traditional Father’s Day weekend to the new dates in late August.
Friday, Aug. 27, features the DareDevil Trained Dog Show, balloon launching at about 6:30 p.m.
Saturday is the longest day with more dog shows, tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides, and the evening balloon launch. On Sunday there are two new additions, a car show with 100 vehicles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the New York Steak Cook Off with dozens of teams competing for prizes.
Thoughout the festival, the Kids Zone will be in full swing with bounce houses, pony rides, a petting farm, face painting, a magician, a balloon twister, and games.
There is live music daily in the music barn next to the beer garden serving craft beer, wines, and wine slushies. There is a wide choice of food including four BBQ rigs and an award-winning pit master from Ohio—the Smoke Shack—plus Jamaican jerk chicken, brick oven wood-fired pizza, turkey legs, burgers, and more.
There is also a marketplace with artists, artisans, specialty food makers, eclectic household items, wine and distilled spirits.
The Saratoga County Fairgrounds are located at 162 Prospect St. in Ballston Spa.
Festival hours are Friday 3 p.m. to dusk after the Balloon Glow; Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a rain or shine event.
People can book a balloon ride on the Festival website www.balloonandbbq.com. For balloon launch updates, check the website.