A Ripon good time at Color the Skies

The two-day Color the Skies Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival got off to a soaring start Saturday morning with the launch of 10 or so colorful balloons – the star of which was the huge Wells Fargo Center Stage. Last year’s festival was changed to a kite show only, because of construction at the Mistlin Sports Park in Ripon. This year, the tethered balloon rides return, beginning at 7:30 a.m. There also will be entertainment, kite shows, miniature train rides, food and more. Proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera. The festival continues until 4 p.m. today Sunday. To catch the balloon launch, rise early, as inflation beings about 6:30 a.m. Mistlin Sports Park is at 1201 W River Road. Admission to the festival is free, but parking is $5. Tickets for the Color The Skies pancake breakfast and ribs, hot dogs or turkey leg lunch are available online. Discount carnival tickets are on sale at Nasco in Modesto and The Corner Stop Eatery in Ripon. For a complete festival schedule, ticket information and directions to the event, go to www.colortheskies.com.

This story was originally published August 30, 2014 at 9:38 AM with the headline "A Ripon good time at Color the Skies."