Nonprofit Up Up and Away Florida Promotes ACE Education 

The Up Up and Away Florida Hot Air Balloon Festival has set the date for next year's spring event. 

Festival goers will see balloon glows or take tethered rides, with multiple opportunities for early morning and late afternoon ascensions. In addition, a car show, live music, helicopter rides, a variety of vendors, and a selection of great food will give families plenty to do throughout the event.  

2022 will be the 2nd annual festival, in what hopefully become a tradition for ballooning enthusiasts. “Returning to Lakeland made sense for us because of the success we had for our first event in February 2020. Like so many, we were unable to host our event this year but are so excited about what we’ve got planned for 2022” says Executive Director, Ron Clukey. “As more people become aware of us, and of our commitment to the community, we believe this volunteer-based hot air balloon festival is quickly becoming a major event held annually at the Lakeland Linder International Airport”.

Hosted by Up Up and Away Florida, Inc., (UUAF) a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, seeks to provide fundraising opportunities for local non-profit organizations, as well as support educational opportunities in the area. In its first year, they were able to donate $10,000 to the Aerospace Center for Excellence in support of its youth STEM programs. Other local non-profit organizations will make an appearance with their own activities throughout the grounds.  

With an estimated attendance of 25,000 this year, UUAF is recruiting balloon teams from around the country to take part in their activities. The temperate May weather in Lakeland, Florida will provide many opportunities for lifts, with twilight glows and mass ascensions throughout the event.  

The festival will be held on the SUN n' FUN Expo Campus, from May 6-8 located on the south side of Lakeland Linder International Airport.  Tickets and camping spots are now on sale at special, reduced, early bird pricing. Entities interested in assisting, contributing, vending, or partnering, can inquire at the site below. 

FMI: www.upupandawayflorida.com