Balloon Festival promises high-flying fun

This weekend promises high-flying fun over Baton Rouge as the annual Hot Air Balloon Championship finally takes off in Gonzales. On Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m., the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center will host the festival, combining hot air balloons, entertainment, music, food, fun and surprises from a children’s village to amazing aerial displays. And don’t miss the nightly balloon glow, in which the tethered balloons will burn their fuel in unison, lighting up the night sky. The event is free and open to the public. Visit ascensionballooning.com for more information.