Last year, after the Warren County Farmers Fair was canceled due to COVID-19, Warren Community College stepped up and offered to host the fair’s popular annual Balloon Fest.

The fest took place a little later than originally planned, as so many events last year, but when it did take to the air, it was well received. The festival was a huge success for the college, the community at large, and the balloonists who truly enjoy their hobby.

Based on that great feedback from patrons, who were safely able to enjoy watching the balloons and its various other activities, which included drone demonstrations, despite the pandemic, the college is making a June Balloon Fest an annual event at its Route 57 campus. This year’s event takes place June 3-6.

“We are really excited to do the Balloon Fest again,” said Dr. Will Austin, president of Warren. “Last year it was our way of just providing some family fun, some diversion to the pandemic, but after seeing the response and the interest for more, we are taking it to another level.”

Tickets for the event are just $9 in advance, $10 apiece at the gate for adults, and only $5 for children under 12. Parking is $10 per car.

This year’s fest will also include an arts and crafts component (vendors are being accepted now), plus drone demonstrations and more activities still to be announced. There will also be food trucks on-site.

The hot air balloons will launch every night at 6:30. Attendance will be limited per COVID protocols at time of event.

The festival is being presented by Alston Construction with balloons powered by AmeriGas. Additional sponsors include Warren Community College, Visitnj.org, and ExploreWarren.org, and is being supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

Additionally, the college is planning to host a second balloon fest the weekend of Sept. 23-26. Details on that event will be revealed by early summer.

For tickets and more information, visit balloonfestnj.com/more-festivals or email info@balloonfestnj.com.