Thursday afternoon visiting cartoon characters, a Pee Wee Preakness and Bob the VidTech make it especially fun for kids. On Friday activities include crafts, vendors and entertainment . On Thursday and Friday, go up to 60-80 feet in a tethered balloon (weather permitting,$15 adults $8 for kids). Or stay on the ground and do a balloon "walk-about" for $2.
Friday and Saturday, be part of the big launches on Friday and Saturday and book a flight from Ballooning USA for $200 a person.
Preakness Balloon Fest Schedule
-
Thursday, May 15, 2008
3-9 p.m. - Balloon tether rides and balloon walk-about
3:30 p.m. - Bob the VidTech in the Grand Ballroom
5 p.m. - Pee Wee Preakness 6 p.m. - Balloons launch
8:30- 9:15 p.m. - Balloon glow
Friday, May 16
6:30 a.m. - Balloons launch and fly over Howard County
3 - 8 p.m. - Balloons tether rides, crafts/vendors and entertainment
6 p.m. - Balloons launch and fly
8:30 p.m. - Balloon glow
Saturday, May 17
6:30 a.m. - Balloons launch and fly over Howard County
Parking
May 15-16, 2 - 9:30 p.m.Public parking will be at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The fee of $5 per car benefits the Elkridge Adult Athletic Association, which is cooridinating parking. Only vehicles with a Turf Valley parking pass or a handicapped designation can park at Turf Valley. Shuttle buses will run from 2 p.m. until close.
May 16- 17, 6:30 a.m. launches
All parking will be at Turf Valley. No satellite parking will be available.

