‘The Party in the Sky’ Features Beer, Bands And Hot Air Balloons
By Wil Barnes
Photos: Gary Meyers, Lake Havasu
While visiting a good friend in Lake Havasu City, I was sitting at the bar at a very nice Italian restaurant, La Vita Dolce, when I heard people talking about the hot air balloon festival weekend.
Dolce owner Robb Day was walking by when one of the patrons said, “Hey Robbie, tell your friend here about balloonfest weekend.” He quickly replied. “ It’s the best! It’s our biggest weekend of the year. It’s awesome.”
When I was told about one of the best weekends in town was coming up, I decided to check into it and stay a while.
An Annual Event The Second Week Of January
This weekend, January 15 – 17 is the 6th annual Havasu Hot Air Balloon Festival, also known as the “Party in the Sky.” Now I have attended a similar festival in Temecula, California but I believe this one has the potential to blow that one away (pun intended).
I’m excited to see the estimated 80 colorful and artistic designs grace the sky over beautiful Lake Havasu. “It really is something,” said one local named Dave. “Man, there are all these giant balloons sailing across the sky right over your head and everyone gathers on the island to watch.
“It’s an amazing weekend.”
In the first year the event drew about 50 balloons and it has swelled to almost 80 this year. Attendance that first year was around 11,000 where this year expectations for more than 30,000 are expected to attend.
“Everyone gathers down on the island across the London Bridge where all the vendors and music are,” said Marquita McKnight, who is in charge representing the Havasu Visitors & Convention Bureau. “We’ve had balloon captains from all over the U.S., but they’ve come from Canada, England and Belgium.”
It all gets under way early Friday at 6 a.m., as balloons launch from various locations along the shoreline and also the airport. They launch for a second time each day at 4:30 p.m., as the winds pick up midday and they return to their safe landing. I was told over the years some of the balloons have been blown off course and forced to land in driveways, empty parking lots and once on Highway 95.
Each night they present what is called “The Glow,” where the balloons light up the night along the shoreline“About half of the balloons participate in The Glow,” Marquita.
On the island, around the channel and London Bridge there are 350 vendors, artists, restaurants plus beer gardens and live music. The place where most balloons launch and where the party scene is really happening is at the Nautical Inn.
Throughout the day, skydivers drop from the heavens adding to the excitement.
It all adds up to what should be a great weekend in Lake Havasu. When you consider the backdrop of the desert, the red rock and the reflective lake, you can’t get much better. Go to Youtube and search Havasu Balloon Festival 2015 and check out that video. You’ll get it.
The event’s location is 2109 McCulloch Blvd. two doors west of Springberg McAndrew Park. This is a ticketed event. For tickets go to: www.havasuballoonfest.com.
VIP tickets sold out two weeks ago and on the island RV parking and camping sold out a month ago. You can also get in line and buy a ride in the balloons.
Come Join The Party
Oh, and here is a tip for all from the author. One thing to remember is to get a reservation at La Vita Dolce, the best restaurant in town. It is fabulous authentic Italian food served in a casual and fun atmosphere. Like the Balloon Festival it, too, is six years old and has become the talk of the town.
Owner Rob Day has really created a hot spot; a great place and one visit should convince you of the same. Believe me, if you don’t have a reservation, you’ll be waiting, but the wait is worth it. When people are exiting nightly, the owner, a waiter, a manager all say thank you. But then, right out of the patrons mouths, “Oh, thank you, it was fantastic.” You love happy people.
The menu includes the usual tasty Italian fare, spaghetti meatballs, veal or chicken ptarmigan and the best linguini and clams. There are nightly specials that feature fresh seafood, steaks and a fabulous seafood bouillabaisse. Oh, and the pizza! This guy knows how to make a pie.”
Prices are very reasonable and there is a solid wine list. I invite you to visit lavitadolce.com or on Facebook for the complete menu. It is fantastic for families, couples and parties alike.
Rob has assembled a friendly and knowledgeable staff that keeps things flowing. You’ll know the owner. He’s the guy who works on both sides and visits with everyone, usually clutching a glass of Pouilly-Fusse.
“I wanted to create a place with a little of that East Coast feeling,” said Robbie. ”First, I wanted the food to be the best. Then make a fun place.. We see so many of the same faces year round and in the winter with the snowbirds. I love it when people have a good time.” Now that sounds like I guy that knows what he’s a talking about. Know what I mean?
To make your reservation call 928-680-5885
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