If you’ve been outside today in the Vernal area it’s likely your eye has been drawn to the sky. Today is day one of the three day Dinah “SOAR” Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival, an event that is expected to become an annual local celebration. The idea originated from the Hospitality Committee wanting to have some kind of day to represent the community. A collaborative effort got under way and this weekend was picked because of the Dino Half marathon already drawing people from outside the area. The festival will have the balloons taking off at Aggie Blvd and Main Street each morning around 7am. There will be a total of 17 balloons in town, 15 of which will fly and two of which will give tethered rides for $15 a person. Events will also be happening downtown during the festival including the night glows that will have food, vendors, and music. Friday’s night glow is taking place across from the Uintah County building at the Weston Lamplighter Inn where the pilots will do a light show with fire as it goes into the balloons. On Saturday, the night glow will be held on South Vernal Avenue. Visit the Dinah “SOAR” Days & Hot Air Balloon Festival page on Facebook for a map and schedule of events.
