Ballon Fest? (El Paso: appointed, renting, buy) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Spoonman · 05-05-2009, 10:26 PM

What's the word on the balloon fest? The bands sound great but I'm wondering what kind of a pain it will be to get in and out - Wet and Wild doesn't look it it would hold many people.

mistabinks · 05-05-2009, 10:42 PM

They have it down to a science. They have been doing it for decades. It will be crowded but they know what they are doing.

fakeguy · 05-06-2009, 09:29 AM

I went last year and I didn't like it. The balloons were great but it was really over crowded. There was no good spots and the grass was not that great. We were on a half grass/dirt spot and walking around with your feet are wet gets you muddy. The rides with lines were all a big wait and the "river" was crowded, it looked like a log jam at times. I think I'll go see the balloons then go. Just remember that this is my opinion, some people might really love it.

mistabinks · 05-06-2009, 10:03 AM

No doubt it will be crowded. It is a very popular event.

utelpaso88 · 05-06-2009, 01:54 PM

The only thing I'm kinda disappointed about this year's balloon fest is that they brought Trapt back. It'll be the 2nd time in the last 3 years they've been here. The Q has a lot more bands to choose from. Hoobastank should be good though,

XChucoresident · 05-06-2009, 05:57 PM

What there is a balloon fest in my beloved hometown of EP...what have I been missing!

malamute · 05-07-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XChucoresident

What there is a balloon fest in my beloved hometown of EP...what have I been missing!

They've been having one for about as long as I can remember. There's only one problem with it and that's that it's still spring and for some reason the balloons don't like to go up when there's even a little breeze.

unsmicck · 05-07-2009, 10:51 AM

You should come see the Ballon fests that we have in Colorado, they will still go up with a mild breeze, and plenty of grassy areas, but having one at a water park seems really cool.

mraaron · 05-08-2009, 05:30 PM

Baloon fest I think has a little bit for everyone.

Never seen the balloons but those as I understand go up in the morning. Good for those who don't care for the crazy college atmosphere.

The water park is fun as you just get some of that nice El Paso sun all day...lots of people..(maybe too crowded). Lot's of beer guzzling too. They used to allow you to bring in outside beer but last time I went they stopped this. You must now buy beer there. But you can bring in outside coolers with food, at least that's how it used to be.

It can be a pain renting a grill, as they run out early, but you can always use one of the community grills.

The night time is where the real fun begins. It's a very festive atmosphere, almost too festive depending on your tastes. Lots of younger people enjoying the rock bands after a day of drinking. Lots of moshing, occasional scuffles but overall just a real good time. Again depends on your tastes.

It's been awhile but the last time I went, it seemed like there was an "anything goes" type of vibe. Don't know if it's settled down.

Gotta at least try it once!

malamute · 05-09-2009, 12:45 AM

Watching the balloons go up, if they go up doesn't cost anything. It's not too crowded then because it's early in the morning. You can see them checking the wind and conditions before deciding if they'll lift. Some will offer balloon rides to kids but they just lift up a few feet and stay tethered.

If you don't like crowds you can go watch the balloons and then head out to something else with fewer people.