While the colorful balloon launches that occur each morning are a major draw to this festival, over the past five years the focus on music and arts has added greatly to the festival’s appeal.
“The talent that comes forth each year wanting to participate in this festival impresses me greatly,” comments Gary Kelso, Entertainment Coordinator for the festival and a seasoned musician himself who plays in two bands that will perform during the festival. “The performers love the family atmosphere, the energy and the unique ballooning aspect of this event. It’s magical for them, and for the audiences who get to enjoy their compositions and interpretations.”
The lineup of talent includes a diverse selection of performers, from Liberty resident Ché Zuro, with multiple recording credits to Ogden Valley’s very own classical orchestra to folk soloists and blues “note- benders.” Aficionados of Celtic melodies of will relish the sounds of Pladdohg, one of the three bands performing Saturday night, which is when the popular Balloon Glow takes place.
The Festival takes place at two locations within Eden, the Festival Field at Wolf Creek Utah located on the road to Powder Mountain ski area, and at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort. The evening concerts take place at the Festival Field, while continuous live music is offered during the daytime hours at the ski resort. New this year will be the addition of another stage at Wolf Creek Utah Ski Resort, so that there’s music for those wanting to sit up on the ski hill and take in the tunes, and a new stage referred to as the Valley Stage which will sit at the entrance to the Arts, Crafts and Food booth area just off the parking area.
“This new stage will add a new dimension, with music entertaining folks as they meander through the various arts, crafts and mountain man rendezvous booth offerings," Kelso said. "We felt it would add a very welcoming touch to have patrons be greeted with melodic sounds from the moment they enter the resort."
