Article 7 Up, Up and Away

This is an event you will not want to miss! Imagine over 50 hot air balloons and a great deal of Vintners available for your tasting.

The Festival, which kicks off June 5 and runs through June 7 has a phenomenal entertainment lineup. Experience entertainers like Multi platinum Lonestar with their hit ‘Tequila Talkin” who were #8 on the billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Also James Otto and Chuck Wicks are lined up for starters. “Dancing with the Stars” fans will recognize Chuck Wicks. He was recently one of the celebrity dancers teaming up with his girlfriend, Julianne Hough. Wicks’ recent hit ‘Stealing Cinderella” was number 5 and was noted as one of the fastest rising singles by a debut act in 2007.
The music does not stop there. Saturday includes a lineup with Sugar Ray, Patty Smyth & Scandal, on Sunday a dozen bands are scheduled to play on two stages, which includes local favorites as well.

Not only is the entertainment the big draw, you can enjoy the Southern California Wine Country in the mix. People come from all over for this event. From Los Angeles, Orange County to San Diego-it is worth the trip. For those who do not live locally, you can make reservations at one of the many local hotels. Make sure that you make them soon as they book out early for this festival.

The experience begins with the hot air balloon flights and an afternoon of wine tasting and concerts. The colorful balloons are something you won’t want to miss. Shopping will also be part of the day, with local vendors presenting their merchandise. Transportation to and from the event can be arranged through Executive VIP Shuttle. You can contact them at 951 304 0412 or 877 304 0412 and ask for reservations.

“Where can you get a great cultural event packaged with an incredible country music concert for $18?” Stated executive director Carol Popejoy.

This event, which begins June 5 at Lake Skinner Recreation Area offers an affordable week end for everyone. What better way to spend the day, sipping wine and enjoying the entertainment. You can also schedule a wine tour while you are there. Wine country offers so many wineries to choose from. Many of them are award winning! Temecula Valley Vintners are carving a path for a respectable reputation in the Wine Industry. Make sure you plan on taking home a few cases or bottles to enjoy at a later time.

This event really helps the local economy. “Our mission is to enhance the charitable, cultural, educational, and economic development of the region” commented Joe Santos, the 2009 chairman of the Festival. “We do this not just by leading thousands of visitors to our valley each year, but by the dollars we spend in the community.” The wine is such a big part of this event to visitors. ‘Wine makes up eighty percent of our alcohol beverage expense. That is money we pay to the wineries participating at the event,” state Popejoy. “Last year that meant more than $70,000 went back to the local wineries.”

This Annual event was originally created to attract visitors to the Temecula Valley and its young wine region. Twenty six years later, it is a signature event which rivals Pasadena’s Rose Parade.

Temecula has recently been named number 11 in the 2009 list of the top 100 cities to live in America. Relocate America recently stated Temecula was “…best known for its annual Balloon and Wine Festival that brings thousand to its proper.”

This event will be another memorable Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. If you have never taken the time to come out before, make sure you make it a priority this year. You will be talking about it for months to come, and most certainly mark your calendar for the festival every year from now on.