Festival Of Flight Takes Off Friday

Aviation enthusiasts looking for free family fun might want to set a course for Wesley Chapel this weekend.

The third annual Festival of Flight takes to the skies Friday for a three-day run. The event features live music, vendors, plenty of food and just about anything that flies. From hot air balloons and kites to helicopters and planes, visitors can see them all up close and personal. And, for a price, it’s even possible to take to the skies.

“There is going to be tons of things to do and tons of things to see,” said Jessica Warren, owner of Land O’ Lakes-based American Balloons, one of the event’s organizers. “We’ve gotten bigger and better every year.”

The festival is staged as a celebration of flight, but it’s got a distinct family tone, Warren said. The cost to park is $5, but entry into the event is free.

“We want people to be able to spend time with their families and not break the bank,” she explained.

After paying for parking, how much or how little folks spend is entirely up to them. Be warned though: there will be plenty of opportunities to fly. A tethered balloon ride, for example, costs $10 a person. Those who want to experience flight in a biplane can expect to pay about $99.

Bands lined up for the event include Infinity on High with Zakk Morgan, the Harold Jones Band, Stonegrey, James A. Miller and others. A hot air balloon night glow is planned for Friday and Saturday evenings, as well.

The festival takes place at Tampa North Flight Center with parking available at 4600 Pet Lane, Lutz. It runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visit the festival’s website.

Photo courtesy of American Balloons