Ridgecrest Festival Isn’t Just Hot Air

Nearly 50 balloonists are expected Nov. 7 to 9 for the first-ever Ridgecrest Balloon Festival in the California town east of Isabella Lake and next to the town of China Lake. Seven military balloons and the traveling Vietnam War memorial replica also will be featured in the event, which has a Veterans Day theme.

The military balloons, representing major services plus a special POW/MIA balloon, will launch at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Ridgecrest’s LeRoy Jackson Park. Most other activities will be in Balloon Festival Park in the community of Inyokern, two miles south of Ridgecrest on Brown Road. Highlights include balloon races starting about 6 a.m. Nov. 8 and 9; a “balloon glow” featuring illuminated, tethered balloons about 5 p.m. Nov. 8; and a food and crafts fair Nov. 8 and 9. Entrance fees to most events are $3 to $5. For information about the festival, or lodging nearby, call (800) 406-5331.