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Soaring Over Ripon
Soaring over ripon
Soaring Over Ripon, a hot air balloon festival, will be held at Mistlin Park in Ripon Saturday and Sunday. - photo by Journal file photo

The biggest hot air balloon festival in the Central Valley — Soaring Over Ripon —  lifts off Saturday and Sunday at 6 a.m.  from Mistlin Sports Park.
Hot air balloon launches are at 6 a.m. each day at the park along River Road between Jack Tone Road and North Ripon Road in north Ripon. The cost for parking is $5. Admission is free.
Soaring Over Ripon is a complete festival with vendors, food, and other activities. It is being staged by the Ripon Chamber Foundation.
The festival started Friday with carnival midway rides from 4 to 9 p.m. Carnival rides are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The schedule for Soaring Over Ripon is as follows:
— Hot air balloon launch is 6 a.m. on both days.
— Vendor booths will be available from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
— Fun Run is Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m. Race-day registration will be available beginning at 6 a.m. The 10th annual Fun Run consists of a 5K and 10K running events. Cost is $30 for the 5K, $35 for the 10K, and $10 for the children’s Fun Run. Proceeds from this event will help support the community and Valley Children’s Hospital. The start and finish of the Fun Run will take place at Mistlin Sports Park.
— Pancake Breakfast is Saturday and Sunday from 6 to 11 a.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under.
— The kite festival is planned for 1 p.m. on both days, weather permitting.

 Visit www.riponchamber.org for more information.