See you in 2025
February 15, 2023
WHEN PIGS FLY!
We make the impossible possible.
The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning takes great pride in showcasing the world’s most spectacular special shaped hot air balloons and we’re proud to announce that this year’s signature special shape for our 40th anniversary celebration is the 65-foot-tall, bright pink Pigasus!
Yes, pigs can fly!
Even when they’re the size of 6-story building and weigh 750 pounds.
Presented by the New Jersey Lottery, Pigasus, a cocky looking pig complete with 30-foot-wide sunglasses and a big grin, fits in perfectly with the countryside setting here in Readington.
The balloon was created by and is flown by Tyler Jacques of Magic Clouds Balloon Corporation in Battle Creek, MI. Yep, Battle Creek, home of past world hot air balloon championships and your favorite breakfast cereal!
Tyler’s father was a balloon pilot for Post Cereals for more than 30 years, which is how Tyler got hooked on the sport. He began flying and received his private pilot license in 2007, later received his commercial license, and then took over the Post Cereals Balloon Club following his father’s passing in 2016.
“I’ve always wanted to fly at the festival and to have Pigasus be part of the 40th anniversary is very exciting,” said Tyler. “He’s a real crowd pleaser, kids especially love him. We’ve flown worldwide and are looking forward to flying in New Jersey this summer.”
NEW JERSEY LOTTERY EXTENDS TITLE SPONSORSHIP
In what is truly a win-win, the New Jersey Lottery has renewed its title sponsorship of the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning, the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.
The Lottery’s multi-year sponsorship extension was announced by The Festival Group, which produces the annual event that has been named one of the Top 50 Festivals in America and the premier family entertainment attraction in the state by the USA Today Network.
“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with The New Jersey Lottery, which has brought a great new fan experience to the generations of families who have been enjoying the magic of ballooning for many years and who will be celebrating our 40th anniversary with us this summer,” said The Festival Group Executive Producer Howard Freeman.
“The Lottery has been our partner at different levels for more than 20 years and as they continue in their fourth year as our title sponsor, we can continue to create unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. We’re proud that our attendees, many of whom are now parents and grandparents, can share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. From favorite special shaped hot air balloons to new entertainment features, this is going to be the celebration of the summer.”
SKY HIGH OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPONSORS & INFLUENCERS
The Festival provides unique opportunities to introduce consumers to new entertainment experiences, new products and services.
The New Jersey Lottery “Lottery Land” is a newer addition to the Festival and is a great example of new experiences Festival-goers can enjoy, from its multi-level, members-only VIP lounge overlooking the Festival grounds to the CASH POP! Summer concert stage.
The upcoming 40th anniversary also promises new premium VIP experiences for 165,000 attendees and new opportunities for sponsors and influencers alike to reach consumers in the #1 media market in the country.
The Festival has a financial impact of approximately $54.4 million on the state’s economy and is a boon for travel and tourism, sponsors and vendors; 72% of Festival-goers will make a purchase from a Festival sponsor or marketing partner during the year.
The Festival’s Sponsorship & Corporate Development Team can work with you on experiential branding opportunities, from 75-foot-tall hot air balloons to hospitality offerings including the Blue Sky Club adjacent to the Balloon Launch Field; Media Day; the Running with the Balloons 5K race; new product demonstration areas and sampling; to sponsorship of the Main Stage and the Festival’s headlining concerts series in the months leading up to the Festival; and much, much more.
To speak with our Sponsorship and Corporate Development Team, call 973-882-5464 or visit www.balloonfestival.com.
LOTTERY LAND A WINNER
The New Jersey Lottery’s “Lottery Land” entertainment complex continued to be the place to be and the place to meet up.
The Lottery’s new Lottery members-only VIP Club elevates the Festival experience and makes everyone feel like a winner. The bi-level lounge area provides comfortable seating and spectacular views of the twice-a-day hot air balloon ascensions and the Festival grounds while offering fun, a place to relax, and immersive Lottery player experiences. This includes new Lottery games such as the BIG SPIN prize wheel and early access to new Scratch-Offs games.
FESTIVAL HISTORY: BLUE SKY CLUB LAUNCHES VIP EXPERIENCES
While the balloons fill the sky, the Festival has taken watching them to new heights. The Blue Sky Club was launched in 1995, allowing Festival-goers to enjoy a true VIP experience away from the crowds. The now familiar large white tent with blue stripes along the Balloon Launch Field provides prime viewing of the twice-a-day mass hot air balloon ascensions, with tables and seating under umbrellas, access to catered food service and private air-conditioned restrooms.
And you can further enhance your enjoyment by adding Reserved Concerts Tickets with prime seating for our headlining concert performers!
