NJ Lottery To Sponsor Festival Of Ballooning For 2020

READINGTON, NJ — The New Jersey Lottery inked a multi-year deal to sponsor the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, which in turn saved it from being cancelled for 2020.

"Thanks to the New Jersey Lottery rising to the occasion, we’re all winners," said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman. "This is a win for the tens of thousands of people who come out each year for the unique opportunity to see the sky filled with balloons, see our great concerts, or enjoy a weekend of family entertainment. It's a win for all the community causes we support. It’s also a win for the State, as we created the festival to showcase the many great things New Jersey has to offer."

The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America will take flight July 24 to 26 at Solberg Airport in Readington. The event will be renamed the "New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning."

The festival's fate came into question after long-time sponsor QuickChek decided to pull out. Freeman had to secure a new sponsor by Jan. 31 to ensure there is enough time to plan for the festival for this upcoming July. (See Related: NJ Festival Of Ballooning Could Be Canceled, Needs Sponsor)

Without a title sponsor the festival was in jeopardy of not continuing in 2020. Freeman pushed back the deadline after he said he got a call on Jan. 28 from an agency representing a client. That client has now been revealed to be NJ Lottery. (See Related: Fate Of 2020 NJ Festival Of Ballooning Still Undecided)

This year’s signature special shape hot air balloon at the festival will be an 80-foot-tall anniversary cake to mark the Lottery’s golden anniversary.

The 38th annual festival offers three days of family entertainment featuring the up to 100 giant, colorful hot air balloons taking flight twice each day; a live concert series featuring Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and rising talent; a fireworks display; a nighttime hot air balloon glow; family entertainment and attractions; children’s amusement rides; a 5K race; exhibits and marketing experiences; and hundreds of vendors.

For more information on the festival visit balloonfestival.com.

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