By Becky Maxedon

The Lake Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair is set to begin Jan. 9, 2025. The event provides not only enjoyment during its run, but also continues to ensure future successes of many local nonprofit organizations.

Over the years, more than $250,000 has been distributed back to the community directly from the festival proceeds through local Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.

Balloon Meister Gary Moore said the 2025 edition of the festival will not disappoint.

One of the favorite attractions every year are the special-shaped balloons.

“We have the two dogs from the UK. We have had one before but not the two together,” Moore said.

Moore added that some of the others include Green Frog, also from the UK, Spiderpig, Mr. Winter (snowman) and the Carnival balloon.

Spider-Pig is one of the Special Shapes that will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival

Moore urged patience and understanding during the festival.

“Please be patient with the balloons and crew as they chase the balloons and pack them up. They are only here for four days and enjoy putting on the show for you.”

Weather plays a huge role in the daily decisions of pilots to take their balloons up.

“We can’t control it and we must do everything possible to keep safety as our number one priority. We have a great bunch of pilots that travel from many distant locations to show off their balloons.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“They want to put on the show for you. When the upper winds are too fast and in a difficult direction for a safe flight, we will always cancel the flight.”

Moore said many pilots will still inflate their balloons at the launch field to show them for pictures and answer questions about their balloons, travels and balloon experiences.

He said the only place where event goers can see all of the special shapes in one location is on the launch field.

The ability of the event sponsors to give back to the community comes from volunteers who donate their time to make it a success every year.

“We can always use more volunteers, especially those that can volunteer for the whole weekend with one specific balloon.

“This helps out a lot with the pilots not having to retrain crew on each flight,” Moore said.

He said volunteers are also needed for the set-up and take-down of the event.

Volunteers in the volunteer tent pose for a photo at the 2024 Havasu Balloon Festival. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

In addition to the balloons, there are many other attractions at the festival.

Live music, kid’s area, beer garden, food and other vendors and so much more. There is a carnival and other ancillary events surrounding the festival.

The festival runs from noon Jan. 9, 2025, through Jan. 12, 2025.

For more information, to purchase tickets or to volunteer, visit havasuballoonfestival.com.

There will be no paid flights this year at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival. Flights will be for Partners/Sponsors only.

Watch this space for more information and feature stories.

For more information on schedule of events, visit the Havasu Balloon Festival website at : https://havasuballoonfestival.com/schedule-of-events/

Bella the Dog will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival

Special Shape Balloon “Buster the Dog” will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival

Special Shape Balloon “Carnival” will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

“Cathedral City Festival” hot air balloon will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

Special Shape Balloon “Volun-Told” (First Flight) will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

Special Shape Balloon “Frog” will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

“Mr.Winter” Special Shape Balloon will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

“Joelly” Special Shape Balloon will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

“Tiny the FIre Dog” Special Shape Balloon will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

“Celebration,” which is hand painted by Charles Market, will be at the 2025 Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair Presented by Anderson Toyota. Photo courtesy Havasu Balloon Festival.

Bands will be playing throughout the weekend at the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair.Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The K-9 Dog Unit will be at the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. Gene Navarro/RiverScene Magazine