KLAQ International Balloonfest
Wet ’N’ Wild Waterworld 915.886.2222 or 915.544.8864
For more than 20 years, the radio station has sponsored one of the city’s most anticipated summer events. Each year, between 5,000 – 8,000 people head to Wet ‘N Wild Waterworld located in Anthony, TX (just outside of El Paso) to watch the early-morning launching of over 75 hot air balloons and enjoy water rides and live concerts. Balloons of all shapes and sizes will fill up the Borderland’s sky over Memorial Day Weekend.
Touted as an “international” balloonfest, balloon pilots travel from around the world to fly at the event. Traditionally, these festivals are held yearly in many cities around the world (there are five in the state of Texas). Balloon fests offer balloonists the chance to participate in balloon races and display their balloons to the throngs of people that come to watch the high-flying spectacle.
While there are hundreds of these festivals across the globe each year, KLAQ’s Balloonfest separates itself from the pack by hosting the event at a water park and, as KLAQ is the city’s most popular rock station, attendees are treated to all-day live rock music.
With a plethora of water rides including a 16-foot climbing wall, a 418-foot water slide and a Wild Island Wave pool, the festival is an ideal event for each member of the family. Younger children can enjoy the “Old Woman & The Shoe,” a double slide designed for infants and toddlers while adults can enjoy the Raging Rapids Bumper Ride.
As for the rock concert, local bands will take to the stage at various times, national level rock bands will keep the good times rolling. As of press time, exactly which rock bands performing have not yet been confirmed, although lineup details should be available by early April.