BalloonFestPR-01-21-16-01The “Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival” is set to launch into its fifth year of dazzling guests with the sights and sounds of over 30 hot air balloons taking flight over scenic southern Nevada.

The fifth annual festival will take place Jan. 23 and 24 and will feature a weekend full of activities for both young and old including live musical acts, champagne tasting, comedy pet theater, a balloon night glow and two morning – Saturday and Sunday – launches of approximately 35 colorful hot air balloons.

What began with less than 20 balloons has grown to include over 30 balloons thanks in no small part to the stunning scenery and renowned hospitality of the Mesquite area, said Christian Adderson, corporate sales manager for Mesquite Gaming.

Balloon pilots and crews from many of the western states and parts of Canada bring their passion for flying and share it with the community in this free family-friendly festival.

“The pilots are happy to share their passion,” Adderson said. “They love to talk about how the balloons work, how they fly and where they travel with their balloons.”

The “Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival” offers spectators an up-close encounter with the balloons as guests are allowed on the field to wander around the colorful giants, talk with the crews and even volunteer to help with a crew as they launch their balloons.

“When you see all these balloons in the sky,” Adderson said, “it is mesmerizing.”

The pre-party starts Jan. 22 at 8:30 p.m. PST in the CasaBlanca Showroom with “Man in the Mirror” a tribute to Michael Jackson. This 21-and-over concert is sure to get you ready for a thrilling weekend.

Jan. 23 is full of activities starting with the official festival kickoff launch at approximately 7:30 a.m. PST. Balloons will launch from the Oasis parking lot, 897 W. Mesquite Blvd.

All launch times are approximate and dependent on weather.

BalloonFestPR-01-21-16-02Saturday continues with two showings of the Popovich World Famous Comedy Pet Theater which is free for all ages in the CasaBlanca showroom, followed by champagne tasting in the afternoon for the 21-and-over crowd and, one of the highlights of the event, the balloon night glow.

At 6 p.m. PST, dozens of the hot air balloons will be tethered and filled in the parking lot of the CasaBlanca Resort and Casino for guests to enjoy the beautiful colors at night. The balloon night glow is free and open to all ages.

“The balloon glow is a huge portion of the weekend,” Adderson said. “It is a really fun atmosphere.”

Cap the night off with a Neil Diamond tribute show in the showroom. This 21-and-over show is typically sold out so don’t miss out on your opportunity to enjoy some classic Neil Diamond in the intimate showroom setting.

“Saturday is just a great day full of activities,” Adderson said.

The festival ends Jan. 24 with a morning balloon launch from the Oasis parking lot.