There was a time in my life when I flew as a hot air balloon pilot before being grounded by the F.A.A. for medical reasons. So when I say that there are very few things that compare to the experience of riding in a hot air balloon I speak from many hours of experience.

Your chance to get up close and experience Hot Air Balloons is this weekend when Quad Cities Balloon Festival returns to the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. The event is Friday and Saturday and admission is free. They are asking for a donations for the Riverbend Food Bank.

Hot Air Balloons Descend On Readington, NJ For Ballooning Festival
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