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Baby Boomers with more time on their hands at retirement have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful festival in North Carolina and the only fall hot air balloon festival NC. The 42nd Annual Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville is set for October 21-23, 2016. The three day, weekend-long festival is packed full of fun activities for the entire family. More than 40,000 attendees are drawn to the festival for live entertainment, games, attractions, music, and best of all, the hot air balloon show.

Pack a picnic, bring a camera and lawn chairs because this event is one like no other in the Carolinas. October brings colorful leaves and crisp autumn weather making it the prettiest time to have a festival in North Carolina. Over 50 hot air balloons make their ascent in the sky over beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the backdrop. What could be more beautiful near the variety of North Carolina mountain homes for sale.

The purpose and mission of the Carolina BalloonFest is to carry on the heritage and traditions of Iredell County as well as to collect donations by generous guests, which will go to local charities and non-profit organizations. Last year, over $100,000 was raised for local charities. Giving back to the community is always important and this is one way to show appreciation for the grand show in the sky.

Event Details:

• Friday October 21st, 2016
• Gates open at 3pm
• Wine & Craft Beer tasting, live entertainment, Hot Air Balloons fly out
• Gates close at 8:30pm
• Saturday October 22nd, 2016
• Gates open at 7am
• Hot Air Balloons fly out, kids zone inflatables, live entertainment, craft beer & wine tasting, pilots meet & greet
• Gates close at 8:30pm
• Sunday October 23rd, 2016
• Gates open at 7am
• Hot Air Balloons fly out, Build-a-kite, kinds inflatables, live entertainment, wine & craft beer tasting
• Gates close at 6pm

Kids under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge as well as retired military service personnel. Folks can book a balloon ride for $250 each passenger. Tether rides are available for children and adults at a very affordable price. The event offers a free shuttle at the park and ride area between the hours of 11am and 4pm. Beer and wine will be available. Pets are not permitted. Purchase tickets online to ensure that you are guaranteed a spot at this festival in North Carolina.

More things to enjoy at the festival:

• Main Stage Entertainment
• 2nd Stage Entertainment
• Wine & Craft Beer Tasting
• Saturday Balloon Glow
• Sunday 5K & Kids Fun Run
• Kids Zone
• Walk In Balloon
• Pilot Meet & Greet
• Balloon Learning Center
• Artisan Village & MarketPlace
• Eat Street & Beer Tent
• Sunday Kite Make & Fly

Residents at The Coves Mountain River Club are an active bunch of folks who truly enjoy the mountain community they call home. This is just one of the many mountain festivals that take place year round in the foothills and High Country. “Fun festivals” is just one of the many accolades property owners like best about living in the foothills.

The Coves is a great place to find North Carolina mountain homes for sale or choose a homesite to build your family’s legacy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The gated community has a mountaintop lodge, infinity-view swimming pool and hot tub, river pavilion, full service equestrian center and more. HOA fees are low at less than $1,000 a year. The neighborhood is an ideal spot for budget conscious retirees to relax and enjoy mild four season Lenoir weather. The idea of living in a small mountain town situated in the heart of everything is very appealing to many.

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Plan your trip now. We’re happy to recommend beautiful places to stay, delicious restaurants to savor and more fun things to do in the area during your visit.

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.