INFORMATION

About the hot air balloon, wine & music festival
A fun-filled, action-packed, three-day family celebration unfolds with the 15th anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival on October 14-16, 2011. Held on the spacious lawns and rolling fields of LONG BRANCH in Clarke County, VA, the Festival brings balloonist and their colorful airborne craft from far and wide to delight spectators of all ages. In addition to the balloons, our annual event provides a wide variety of entertainment over the weekend.
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Friday, October 14

The Hot Air Balloon & Pumpkin Glow takes place between 4:00 to 8:00 pm for picnicking (enjoy ours or bring your own) with the energizing sounds of local live entertainment. At dusk, and weather permitting, tethered hot air balloons softly illuminate the skies with their own glow. Bring your own carved pumpkin to our information tent by 6 pm and participate in the Balloon and Pumpkin Glow or marvel at the intricate carving provided by the local Nalls Farm Market.
Saturday & Sunday, October 16-17

Hot Air Balloon Staging, some with unique whimsical shapes, begins at 7:00 am. There will also be hot air balloons on-site for spectators to enjoy the interior of the balloons and the opportunity to experience a tethered ride – weather permitting.
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Kiddies Korner
Bountiful activities will delight the kids including hay rides, inflatable activities, a hay bale
maze and the amphitheater will be located on the south side of the Historic House featuring
magic shows and live entertainment. All activities in the Kiddie Korner are provided free of charge courtesy of LONG BRANCH.

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Sunrise to Sunset Activities
Stay busy or just park your chair or blanket on the lawns of LONG BRANCH while enjoying a variety of live entertainment. Festival foods sell non-stop throughout the weekend, including breakfast items for early-rising spectators and tasty Johnsonville Brats for lunch and afternoon snacking. Virginia Giant Monster Truck rides, the Old Dominion Fire Society antique fire engine display, classic car shows, and much more continue throughout the weekend. Vendors will demonstrate, exhibit and sell a wide selection of unique and handcrafted items. Gourmet foods, wine accessories, quality artwork, gifts and hats are among the features.

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Directions
From Washington, DC:  Go west on Interstate Route 66 to exit 23. Proceed on Route 17 north. Turn left on Route 50 at Paris. Just past Millwood, turn left on Route 624/Red Gate Road.
From Northern Virginia:  Take the Capital Beltway to Interstate Route 66 west.  Take exit 23. Proceed on Route 17 north. Turn left on Route 50 at Paris. Just past Millwood, turn left on Route 624/Red Gate Road.
From I-81:  Take exit 313 and proceed approximately 13 miles on Route 50 east.  Turn right on Route 624/Red Gate Road and proceed ½ mile.
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Other Important Information

• Tethered and Staged Balloons are operational weather permitting.

• Festival held rain or shine – No Refunds.

• Drink responsibly and designate a driver for the ride home.

• Pets and outside alcoholic beverages prohibited.

• Picnics welcome; however, we reserve the right to inspect all coolers, picnic baskets, and bags brought onto the property.

• Some activities require a nominal fee to participate.