By Emily Burleigh

After a two-year hiatus, the SWLA Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival is making a comeback this weekend, June 10 and 11, at The Stables at LeBocage.

The festival is back and better than ever. Locals will have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities at the event, including unique hot air balloons, live music, impressive kites, and a patriotic skydiver.

The festival will feature over 17 balloons of different shapes and sizes. Those with a keen eye will even be able to see balloons in the sky before the festival even begins. From June 8 to June 12, these balloons will be exploring Lake Charles’ daytime sky.

“We’re just excited after Covid-19, hurricanes, and freezes to bring something fun to Southwest Louisiana,” stated Brandon Beard, CEO of Brangineers Marketing Firm.

An impressive feature that will be visible in the sky is the giant kite exhibit. “It’s been 30 years since Lake Charles has had kites like this on display,” said Beard “Some of these kites are as big as the hot air balloons.”

The live concerts will feature local artists. “We really focused a lot on adding local and regional artists.” Among these artists will be Parish County Line, Wayne Toups, and the Charlie Wayne Band.

The live performances on Friday will be: Johnny Jimenez (6 p.m. – 7 p.m.), Parish County Line (7:20 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.), Caden Gillard (9 p.m. – 10 p.m.), and Wayne Toups (10:15 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.).

Saturday’s performances will include DJ Fuzzy (4 p.m. – 5 p.m.), Rosedown Rockers (5:15p.m. – 6 p.m.), Charlie Wayne Band (6:20 p.m. – 7 p.m.), Dustin Sonnier (7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.), The Flamethrowers (9 p.m. – 10 p.m.), and Three Beards (10:15 p.m. -11:30 p.m.).

Another event that will elevate this year’s festival is the Balloon Glow show. The 45 minutes show features synchronized, lit up balloons. “It’s like a Disney laser light show,” said Beard. “The canopies and colors are beautiful.” The show will be nightly from 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

All donations to the festival will be given to Reins of Hope, a non-profit organization that aids children and adults overcome challenges with equine therapy. The organization’s progressive therapeutic riding program assists individuals with special needs reach their full potential by utilizing unique connections with horses.

“I’ve never been more inspired by what they do for children,” said Beard. “They are 100% focused on equine therapy, and are a gem in the local community.

“It’s really important for me and my team to have a reason for doing things, and this gives locals an actual, tangible reason to buy a ticket.”

Those who wish to donate more can participate in a raffle. The raffle will include prizes, such as a yeti cooler and free access to a water slide for the summer.

The festival also commissioned local artist, Candice Alexander, to create a limited poster for the festival. There are only 100 prints available, priced at $50 a print. 100 percent of the profits will be donated to Reins of Hope. Prints will be available online and at the festival.

Reins of Hope will have a booth set-up at the festival for attendees who are curious about the organization.

Proceeds will aid Reins of Hope in buying more horses and maintaining their facilities.

The event will have food trucks featuring local vendors, as well as air-conditioned and tented food courts for attendees to stay cool.

Tickets for the festival are available online at www.swlaballoonfest.com. Adult tickets will cost $20 per day or $35 for the weekend. Children 5 years of age or older must have a ticket, which are priced at $10 per day of $15 for the weekend. Tickets are limited.

Tickets purchased at the gate will cost $5 more that tickets purchased online.

Prices for VIP tickets cost $100 per day or $180 for the weekend. Children 5 years of age of older must have a ticket to enter the VIP tent. These can be purchased for $20.

VIP packages will include entry to the festival, as well as a free tethered balloon ride, air-conditioned vent and restroom, and a served, gourmet dinner. VIP attendees will also have access to a private seating area for the concerts and VIP parking.

Hot Air Balloon tether rides will be available at the event; weather permitting. Rides cost $20 per rider. Tickets are only available onsite.