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Terms of Use Last update: FEB 2025 Welcome to the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival website (gulfcoastballoonfestival.com). By accessing or using this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use this Website. 1. General Use This Website provides information about the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, including event details, ticket purchases, sponsorship opportunities, and festival policies. By using this Website, you agree to: Use the Website only for lawful purposes. Not engage in any activity that could harm the Website or interfere with other users. Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Website. 2. Ticket Sales & Refund Policy VIP Passes and VIP Parking are available for purchase online. All ticket sales are final and non-transferable. No refunds will be issued within seven (7) days prior to the first day of the event. Tickets are subject to availability and may be revoked for failure to comply with event policies. 3. Event Policies & Liability The festival is free to attend, with some featured areas requiring an additional fee (e.g., Kid’s Zone, VIP areas, tethered rides). All flights, including tethered rides, are weather-dependent and subject to cancellation for safety reasons. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, its organizers, and affiliates are not responsible for weather-related changes, cancellations, or personal losses incurred due to event modifications. Attendees assume all risks associated with attending the festival, including but not limited to weather conditions, activities, and third-party vendors. 4. Sponsorship & Balloon Rides Full hot air balloon rides are reserved exclusively for sponsors and not available to the general public. For sponsorship opportunities, contact our Director Rachel Spear in charge of the festival at rachel@southbaldwinchamber.com . Tethered rides are available to the public and can be purchased on-site (subject to weather conditions). 5. Intellectual Property All Website content, including text, images, logos, and branding, is the property of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without permission. Any third-party content featured on this Website is the property of its respective owners. 6. Privacy Policy This Website may collect limited personal data (e.g., ticket purchases, inquiries, and sponsorship requests). We do not sell or share personal information with third parties except as required to facilitate event operations. By using this Website, you agree to the collection and use of data in accordance with our Privacy Policy . 7. Website Modifications & Termination We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any part of the Website at any time without notice. These Terms of Use may be updated periodically, and continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any changes. 8. Governing Law These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of Baldwin County, Alabama. 9. Contact Information For any questions regarding these Terms of Use, please contact us.

Here’s a quick and simple guide to how hot air ballooning works and what to expect at the Gulf Hot Air Balloons 101: What You Need to Know Before You Go Hot air balloons are one of the most exciting parts of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival—but they’re also a little tricky. Because of weather and safety rules, the balloons can’t always go up when we’d all like them to. To help clear things up, here’s a quick and simple guide to how ballooning works and what to expect. 🎈 Morning Balloon Flights – Where to Watch During the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, our morning competition flights take place at sunrise when conditions are best for flying. While balloons launch from various locations based on wind direction, spectators can often catch a great view of the action over the soccer fields off Highway 98 on Friday and Saturday mornings between approximately 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (weather permitting). Because balloon flight paths are determined by real-time weather and wind conditions, locations and timing may vary. For the most up-to-date information each morning, we encourage you to tune in to WHEP Radio, where live updates will be shared as pilots prepare for flight. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you better understand how it all works: 🌤️ Balloons Aren’t Out All Day—Here’s Why: While we’d love to have balloons floating in the sky all day, it’s simply not possible. Balloons rely on very specific weather conditions, and unfortunately, that means they can’t be inflated or flown around the clock. 💨 Weather & Wind Matter—a Lot: Hot air balloons need calm, stable air to safely lift off. That’s why you’ll only see scheduled launches in the early morning and late afternoon—times when the air is more stable. During the day, the sun heats the ground, creating rising columns of warm air (called thermals), which make flying unsafe. 🌧️ No Rain, Please: Even light rain or the potential for rain will ground a balloon. Wet fabric can affect the balloon's weight and performance, and safety is always the priority—for the pilots, passengers, and spectators. 🌙 No Flights After Dark: The FAA prohibits balloon flights in the dark, but we can still enjoy the beauty of balloons during our Balloon Glow events. These are tethered displays (weather permitting), where balloons light up the night sky—but even this depends on low wind conditions (ideally under 8–10 mph). 🔥 The Cost of Flight: Even if balloons could stay up all day, the cost of propane alone would be through the roof. Flying is special—and it’s meant to be. 🤝 Get Involved—Join a Balloon Crew: Want a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to launch and pack up a hot air balloon? We offer opportunities to volunteer as balloon crew members! It’s a great way to learn the process and see firsthand why some calls get made at the last minute. 🎪 More Than Balloons: While balloons are the heart of the festival, they’re not the only attraction. You’ll find live entertainment, shopping, food vendors, and a carnival throughout the weekend. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, soak in the festive atmosphere, and enjoy all that the event has to offer—balloons or not. 😎 A Note on Coastal Weather If you’ve spent any time in South Alabama, you know how quickly the weather can change—especially with coastal winds rolling in from the Gulf of America. Even if balloons are scheduled to go up at a certain time, that doesn’t guarantee they will. Wind speed, direction, storms, and even pop-up showers can delay or cancel a balloon activity altogether. We do our best to wait until the last possible moment before making the call, just in case the weather shifts in our favor. The festival is scheduled across several days, and some years the weather is perfect the whole time. Other years, not so much—and unfortunately, that part is out of our control. The best way to stay in the loop? Watch the forecast and follow our social media channels and the News section of our website for the most up-to-date info. We’ll keep you posted on any schedule changes, delays, or cancellations as soon as decisions are made.

How to Reach Us Have questions or need more information? We're here to help—feel free to reach out. Our team will get back to you as soon as we can, but please note that during busy times, especially leading up to the event, responses may be delayed as all hands are on deck. We appreciate your patience! For vendor-related questions, please contact Reagan at reagan@southbaldwinchamber.com . We can’t wait to have you be part of the fun! 📬 Need to get in touch? We’re happy to help — just a quick note... Our online support hours are limited. If you message us after hours, please know we’ll respond as soon as we’re able. In the meantime, be sure to check our FAQ page and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, including any weather-related changes and festival announcements. Thank you for your understanding — and enjoy the festival! Festival Location 100 N OWA Blvd Foley, AL 36535 Phone 251-943-3291 Office Location 200 N Alston St Foley AL 36535 First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram

ABOUT US The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival has brought color, excitement, and community spirit to Foley, Alabama. What started as a small gathering has grown into a beloved annual tradition, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of hot air balloons. FESTIVAL FOUNDER Tommy Rachel Tommy Rachel, a seasoned hot air balloon pilot from Magnolia Springs, Alabama, is the visionary behind the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Drawing from his extensive experience in ballooning, Tommy proposed the idea to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, leading to the festival's inception in 2005. Beyond organizing, Tommy serves as the festival's balloonmeister, ensuring the safety and coordination of balloon activities. His dedication to the community and the sport was recognized in 2020 when he was honored as the Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Our Journey So Far . . . 2005 TAKING FLIGHT: THE BEGINNING In the wake of Hurricane Ivan, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival lifted off for the first time at the Foley Sports Complex. Local balloonist Tommy Rachel brought the idea to the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, which embraced the vision. Together, they launched an event that has since become a cherished tradition. From its humble beginnings, the festival quickly became a beloved annual celebration, filling Baldwin County’s skies with vibrant color and wonder. 2010 A GROWING TRADITION By 2010, the festival had firmly established itself as a must-attend event on the Gulf Coast. Attendance surged as balloonists from across the country participated, thrilling crowds with dazzling balloon glows and tethered rides. Family-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors, and live entertainment enhanced the experience, creating a true community celebration. The festival’s success was a testament to the dedication of organizers, volunteers, and local businesses that helped it grow year after year. WE EXTEND A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS ♡ The City of Foley All Departments including Police, Fire, and Public Works OWA Parks & Resort