Some may use smoke and flags, or even jump out of balloon baskets or the top of the balloon itself. Paragliders are fun to see since they hover above the ground, 100 feet in the air, holding onto their packs as they move.
“ It’ s pretty awesome,” Sierra says.“ They can touch the ground as they go up in flight.”
The festival attracts families who come each year as well as pilots who call and ask to be a part of the festival.
It’ s easy to see why. Hot Springs welcomes people to just hang out in town all day. There’ s never a shortage of things to do, whether it’ s floating down Fall River, soaking in the warm waters of the springs, visiting the cool shops in town, or enjoying the free live music. On Saturday in between the balloon launch and the night glow you can participate in a fun run, grab breakfast or lunch, stroll Main Street, check out the Farmers Market, the Kids Zone and the Vendor Market and even create your own sidewalk masterpiece in the Chalk Art contest.
Sponsored by the Chautauqua Craftsmen & Artisans of the Black Hills the Chalk Art Contest is open to all. Jo Schroderer says she has seen some extraordinary individual kids pieces as well as cool pieces created by adults and groups of both young and old alike.
“ It’ s street art. It ' s very transient. It gives everyone an opportunity to express themselves in a public format and have fun with it,” Schroeder said. She has seen a variety of balloon depicted creations as well as animal designs, landscapes, and even cartoons. She calls the contest a“ wonderful piece” of the Flight Fest.
After the early morning launch on Sunday people can see a balloon from a whole different point of view as they step inside a balloon at the The Mammoth Site.
There ' s also an afternoon Cemetery History Walk at the Evergreen Cemetery presented by Fall River Historical Society & Pioneer Museum.
It’ s not just locals and people visiting Hot Springs who get excited about Flight Fest. Merchants all over town decorate storefronts with balloons and window wraps, getting in the spirit of the event and offering their appreciation to customers with sidewalk sales with deep discounts.
“ We care about your experience when you come here,” Sierra says, explaining all Hot Springs has to offer. From cool artisan crafts to great restaurants, Hot Springs is surrounded by natural beauty that includes red sandstone cliffs and a meandering river. Folks don’ t have to wait for the Flight Fest to soak in all that Hot Springs has to offer.
The popular Rockin Riverside Summer Concert series features some of the best acts in the Black Hills nestled right along the beautiful Fall River. Sierra encourages people to come relax, hang out with friends, bring their own food or sample the food trucks as the music fills the air from fan-favorite bands like Ivory and Flannel.“ Hot Springs has a lot to offer!” Sierra says. To learn more about Flight Fest and the Riverside Concert Series check out the events at https:// h- otsprings-sd. com.
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