Anyone going to the Balloon Festival?

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NoReplyBot@reddit

Just putting this out there but in the past they didn’t have balloons take off at night (in case anyone is hoping for that.)

They should have the schedule of events posted online. Pretty sure during the evening it does not say takeoff or anything like that.

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Started “volunteering” (aka shadowing my dad) 20 years ago, and now I work behind the scenes majority of the weekend. A lot has changed, but it’s still such a neat event! If you want to see a schedule, check out planoballoonfest.org

Also happy to try to answer any questions!

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ismfof_lobh@reddit

What would you suggest is the best night for Photography? T,F,S?

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SimilaToTheThrilla@reddit

Why is there no 5k or 10k or half marathon races anymore? I feel like that drove a ton of audience to the event.

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Background_Kale_2958@reddit

Hell no. And I am pissed that they closed park zone that we actually love to ride out trikes in :(.. again.

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prguitarman@reddit

I’ve gone a few times and it’s almost always been disappointing. Long lines, expensive parking and entry each time. Last time we went we paid for parking and entry and the moment we were inside they told us they weren’t even flying the balloons that day. Like, why even be open at that point?

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OkFriendship922@reddit

Do you know the area and have a recommendation for being outside or a restaurant? Entering and parking with my 2 year old sounds like a nightmare but he loves hot air "bloons"

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Fast-Cod-2333@reddit (OP)

Ah, now I feel...deflated. Thanks for the heads-up, I'll look for someplace nearby then.

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aek82@reddit

https://www.planoballoonfest.org/p/about/attractions

It says there's 30x balloons open for rides for about 20 or so hours over the 4 days. It doesn't sound like enough balloons for the 1000s of attendees that now go.

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ranjithd@reddit

agree. not as good as they hype it up. that said, go early morning for the balloon glow. way less crowded and a much better experience

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MusicalAutist@reddit

You son of a .... *upvote*

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lordb4@reddit

The only time I ever felt it was worth it was when it used to be at Bob Woodruff, free, and I lived half a block away.

Now, I've also been to the Albuquerque one and that was worth the hassle to get to.

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Lyuseefur@reddit

Yep. This. A few years ago before HEB it was ez. Now it’s just parking lot simulator 2000.

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TerribleEstimate9862@reddit

What day and time will the City of Plano close off Spring Creek to vehicle traffic this week?

I live on the east side so it’s always difficult to navigate that area, so it is best to avoid it.

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Responsible-Idea3794@reddit

Overpriced and overrated. Balloons never fly, year after year.

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sfa1500@reddit

They have flown plenty of years, the past few years there have been rain outs several times, and wind was too high. They have strict rules on when they can fly based on that wind.

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designerrr_sushiii@reddit

When?!? I’ve always wanted to go!

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sfa1500@reddit

This week. Thursday through Saturday

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leslie_n0pe@reddit

Does anyone know how they handle bikes? Thinking of doing that for AM liftoff to avoid the parking drama.

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dweeler@reddit

It’s worth going to see what it is now. A lot of people will have negative opinions but it’s still a cool sight to see and a lot of people are working to make it happen for us here in Plano. Volunteering is also a great way to spend some time there but a bonus of free admission. I like going, weather does play a big factor since it’s outside but it’s suppose to be a nice weekend.

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Sea_Engineering579@reddit

I spent 2 hours in the parking lot trying to leave last year and I’m not even exaggerating my 1 year old was with us! Never going again

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exanthem@reddit

Nah, putting it on the same weekend as Addison Oktoberfest was the deathblow for me.

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Sea-Cauliflower-8368@reddit

Oktoberfest is such a well done event.

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Lillunkin@reddit

Admission's $10. How is everyone complaining about that?

Does anyone on this sub leave their houses ever?

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froldcrincers@reddit

I'm a little tied up at the moment, but have a BLAST at the festival!

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Loony_Loveless@reddit

No. I live right next to it and see balloons and powered parachutes taking off/landing almost every morning while taking my kid to elementary. The festival has just been an overcrowded business tent pop up for years.

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eldon3213@reddit

I want to but last year was a bit disappointing not a single balloon was up when I was there, I might not go.

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qcdebug@reddit

The wind was persistently annoying all days last year, I won't be there this year but based on the wind so far I'm guessing more of the same.

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Casper-717@reddit

Every time I go I an adopt an animal from the mobile pet adoption with the city (I’ve only been twice but it’s a now a thing and my partner has banned me). I honestly go for the vendors and the morning balloon glow. It gets too hot and the balloons never take off because of weather which is disappointing

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Casper-717@reddit

They should honestly put the vendors in the college and open the field up for the balloons. It makes more sense especially if you’re parked in the college anyway

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royalooozooo@reddit

Rain and wind usually cause disruptions to the event. I’d say if the weather is good, make it a point to go!

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-EdgarAllanCrow-@reddit

I miss it in the 90s when I lived off Shiloh and there seemed to be like a thousand balloons in the sky

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darthdoro@reddit

Too hot, too crowded, and the balloons never take off. No.

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SMDHinTx@reddit

Nope, back before Plano became landlocked with so very many newly built homes, it was great and a lot of fun. Lots of balloons, great morning glow before flights of many balloons before sun-up and at dusk.

Now there are too many power lines. Very few take off and very few balloons now. Most just fire up for the glow, but without liftoff. But, fun for the little kids with lots of bouncy houses and slides.

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