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BalloonFest set for launch
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Published: October 23, 2008
As if watching dozens of colorful hot-air balloons flying overhead and hours of live entertainment wasn't enough, the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Carolina BalloonFest organizers are adding a new component to the annual three-day rally starting Friday: geocaching.
While it's much closer to the ground, the popular high-tech treasure hunt was added this year to attract another segment of the thrill-seeking population to the 35th anniversary hot-air balloon rally, said Visitors Bureau Executive Director Libba Barrineau.
Four caches will be positioned around the grounds at the Statesville Regional Airport for BalloonFest attendees to find with Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Armed with longitude and latitude data for the first box, participants can work their way around the booth-laden landscape until they find all four, earning themselves a coupon for a souvenir.
Along the way, there's plenty to do, like tasting North Carolina wines, watching the kids play in the Fun Zone, or listening to live music.
Organizers expect a big turnout.
"It's a great regional event for Statesville and brings national recognition," Barrineau said.
The geo-caching addition is a spinoff of the CVB's marketing campaign "X Marks the Spot."
Barrineau said the geocaching sites will be in place only during the festival.
Balloonfest committee member Kristie Darling said the committee worked out some of the driving and parking issues that had some people on edge last year.
2008 Carolina BalloonFest
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
3 p.m. Gates open at Statesville Regional Airport
4:30 p.m. Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension
6 p.m. Jerry Chapman
8:30 p.m. Billy Scott & the Party Prophets
10 p.m. Gates close
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
7 a.m. Gates open at Statesville Regional Airport
8 a.m. Hot Air Balloon Launch & Competition
10 a.m. Perfect Symmetry
11 a.m. N.C. Wine Tasting opens
ALL DAY: Special Exhibits, Kids' Fun Zone, Arts and Crafts, Food and Drink Vendors
Noon Clay Lunsford & The Thumbpickers
2 p.m. The Reach Band
4:30 p.m. Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension
5 p.m. The Band of Gold
6:30 p.m. Hot Air Balloon Glow
9 p.m. Gates close
SUNDAY, OCT. 26
7 a.m. Gates open at Statesville Regional Airport
8 a.m. Hot Air Balloon Launch & Competition
11:30 a.m. Joint Heir
Noon N.C. Wine Tasting opens
ALL DAY: Special Exhibits, Kids' Fun Zone, Arts & Crafts, Food & Drink Vendors
3 p.m. The Cookie Band
4:30 p.m. Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascension
6 p.m. Gates close
Tickets
Adults $8; Children 5 and under Free
Tickets can be purchased in advance in Statesville at J.R. Discount Outlets,
United Federal Credit Union and the Statesville Chamber of Commerce, online or at the gate. Bring cash, as it is the only method of payment.
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