Hot air balloon pilots are ready to take ClovisFest to new heights

CLOVIS, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – ClovisFest begins Saturday, featuring family activities, food and the annual Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly.

Pilots began preparing their balloons Friday morning – and some headed over to the Clovis Rodeo Grounds early to watch their test flights. Greg Newman with the Clovis Chamber of Commerce says he looks forward to ClovisFest every year.

“It’s one of those events that make up the fabric of our community,” Newman said.

The Old Town Clovis festival will draw thousands of visitors on Saturday and Sunday.

“Even though I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, it still excites me and I’m still one of the first ones with my camera,” said hot air balloon pilot Bob Locklin.

There will be 11 hot air balloons on display this year, the most they have ever had. Comcast is sponsoring this year’s new balloon.

“The Xfinity Rewards balloon – it’s the first time we’re here in California, the first time specifically here in the Clovis area,” said pilot Jacob Little.

Little says his balloon is unique because of its appendages in the shape of hearts.

Not all hot air balloons on Saturday will be floating away from Clovis: two will remain tethered to the ground and reserved for community rides. Each ride is $20.

Newman says the festival is not only fun for attendees: local businesses experience their own kind of inflation as well.

“You know, all the events that we do here in Clovis bring thousands and thousands of people to our community to enjoy these events. And those thousands and thousands of people bring millions of dollars into our community,” Newman said.

The hot air balloons will take off at sunrise on Saturday, but organizers recommend balloon watchers arrive by 6 a.m. to find a good place.

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