Ogden Valley Balloon Festival

By Willow Titensor

Photography by Les Vierra

 

Each year Ogden Valley attracts up to 15,000 people from all over the United States to experience one unique event: The Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. 2018 marks their 20th year and it’s more beautiful than ever. Fifteen brightly colored balloons will decorate the morning and evening skies from August 17-19. The morning and evening balloon launches are an awe-inspiring sight, definitely worth getting up early and going to bed late. In addition there are over 75 vendors including food trucks, arts and crafts stations, free tethered balloon rides, artist booths, animal exhibits, balloon glows, and much more.

The festival began in 1994 as a fundraiser for Eden Park to construct a new bowery. It moved to Wolf Creek Resort to accommodate higher volumes of people but quickly overwhelmed locals with the traffic it brought to the Ogden Valley. After a three year breather, Nordic Valley Ski Resort generously donated enough money to get those balloons back in the air; thank you Nordic Valley! Now it’s back to a comfortable size and has become a beloved community tradition.

Crisp, cool air, Pineview’s emerald green waters, and panoramic mountain views create a serene atmosphere for both balloon rides and community gatherings. The environment provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. What better way to experience Utah’s beauty than hovering 1,000 feet above Ogden Valley’s captivating mountains?

Terry Murphy is celebrating her fifth year as coordinator for the festival and strongly believes in giving back to the community. “It’s estimated that the event leaves a $500,000 economic imprint on Ogden Valley businesses,” she stated.

As a non-profit organization with a staff composed solely of volunteers, it takes an immense amount of community support and donations to keep the event free to the public and contribute to the philanthropic efforts of the organizers. Proceeds from the event go to The Ogden Rescue Mission and, as of this year, a physician program that allows single mothers to have access to 24/7 non-emergency medical help. Mountain Luxury is proud to be a sponsor of this charming community tradition.

The event is held in Eden Park at 2100 N 5600 E Eden, Utah. To sail the skies in a balloon, tickets (which include breakfast and VIP parking) are available online for $520 per couple. Balloon rides sell out fast, book quickly!

 

Friday, August 17

7am-11am Balloon Launch and Ogden Rescue Mission Breakfast with live music by Mountain Arts and Music.

4pm-10pm Artist and Craft Booth, Food Vendors

4:30pm-6pm Koreen Greenwood and Scotty Haze – main stage

6:30pm -7:30pm Evening Balloon Launch

6:15pm-7:45pm Spot and Waldo – main stage

8pm-10pm Penrose – main stage

8:45pm-9:30pm Balloon Glow

 

Saturday, August 18

7am-8am Balloon Launch

7am-11am Ogden Rescue Mission Breakfast with live music by Mountain Arts and Music

7am-10pm Artist and Craft Booth/Food Vendors

8am-12pm Ogden Nature Center Reptile and Owl Presentation

4:30pm-5:45pm Mothers of Mayhem – Main Stage

6pm-7:30pm Che Zuro and Wild Flower Moon – Main Stage

6:30pm-7:30pm Evening Balloon Launch

7:30pm-8pm Deja Mitchel Dance Performance – Main Stage

8pm-10pm Christian Miller Band – Main Stage

8:45pm-9:30pm Balloon Glow

 

Sunday, August 19

7am-8am Balloon Launch

7am-12pm Booth and Food Vendors

7am-11am Breakfast

 

Sponsors:

Mountain Luxury Real Estate and Lodging

Ogden Regional Hospital and Medical Center

Powder Mountain

Remax

RAMP

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