Styx To Perform At New Jersey's Festival Of Ballooning In 2020

READINGTON, NJ — Classic rock band Styx has been announced as the first performer at the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning for 2020.

New Jersey Lottery, who are the new sponsors of the event, made the announcement on Monday. Special presale tickets will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday for loyal patrons — which is 48 hours in advance of tickets for the general public.

"Harmony. Chemistry. Balance. Grit. Dexterity. Determination. Solidarity. These are words that define the core essence of STYX, the multimegamillion-selling rock band that has forged an indelible legacy both on record and onstage," NJ Lottery stated.

Formed in 1972, Styx was well known in the late 1970s and early 1980s for releasing four consecutive multimillion-selling albums: 1977’s The Grand Illusion, 1978’s Pieces of Eight,1979’s Cornerstone, and 1981’s Paradise Theatre.

Some of their top hits include "Come Sail Away," "Blue Collar Man," "The Grand Illusion," and "Renegade."

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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