Organizers of the 24 annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival said they are ready to launch the event, whichis expected to attract thousands of people from throughout New England. The Plainville balloon festival is one of the last remaining in New England.

The schedule of events is:
Friday, Aug. 22: Festival opens at 6 p.m.; music, food and crafters' booths open all evening; 7 to 9 p.m. "Avenue Groove" to perform; 7:30 p.m. balloon night glow; 9:30 p.m. fireworks (If it rains fireworks will be Saturday, Aug. 23.) Look for designated parking areas. First in/first out fireworks parking. Festival closes for the night at 10 p.m.

Saturday Aug. 23: Balloon launch at 6 a.m.; crafters open at 7 a.m.; car and motorcycle show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; music and food offered all day; 1 to 5 p.m. live bands to perform; balloonists will be tethering in the afternoon bungee jumpers and inflatables all day; balloon launch at 6 p.m.; movie at 8 p.m. (will be canceled if fireworks are rained out on Friday); festival closes at 10 p.m.

Sunday Aug. 24: Balloon launch at 5:30 to 6 a.m.; crafters open at 7 a.m.; food served from 5:30 to 8 a.m.; and festival ends 9 a.m.

The Plainville Fire Company has announced special parking for the balloon festival's annual fireworks show, which will be held Friday, Aug. 22 at Norton Park. As a result of the construction of the soccer fields, a new parking plan will be in effect for Friday night only. On that evening, there will be two areas designated for those visitors that plan on staying until the end of the fireworks show. In these two areas, cars will be parked nearest to the main area bumper-to-bumper in a first-in/first-out pattern. This will enable more cars to be parked at Norton Park.

"This parking plan is a logical way to handle the most cars within the limited space available" said Thomas Moschini, fire captain. "There will be signs directing visitors where the first-in/first-out parking will be located."

There will also be areas designated for those visitors who will not be staying for the fireworks as well as separate areas for handicap parking and motorcycles. As in past years, cars will not be allowed to enter Norton Trail from Redstone Hill Road beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday evening. Exceptions will be made for the residents of the immediate area.

This traffic plan has been developed in conjunction with meetings between the Plainville Fire Company and the Plainville Police Department. Volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol and Frederick-Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 14 will assist in the parking effort.

Due to the popularity of the fireworks show, people are encouraged to carpool to Friday night's festivities.

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