Delights in the sky — hot air balloons take flight for annual ClovisFest in Old Town

There will likely be plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” around Old Town Clovis this weekend as hot air balloons once again take to the skies at the 47th annual ClovisFest and Hot Air Balloon Fun Fly presented through the Clovis Chamber of Commerce.

“One of my favorite things is just the expression on people’s faces,” said “Magic” Bob Locklin, who has been the ClovisFest balloon meister for the past 17 or 18 years, referring to visitors watching balloons inflate and take off.

Chamber CEO Greg Newman said the free event kicks off early on both Saturday and Sunday with hot air balloon inflation starting at around 6 a.m.

“Bring the kids out, see these balloons lift off. It’s kinda cool,” Newman said as he watched several balloons inflated for a media event on Friday morning.

Once the balloons are off to the skies, the streets of Old Town will start the annual street fair with over 250 craft and food booths as well as live entertainment throughout both days, Newman said.

The International Village will be back featuring performances from cultural groups around the community. The Made in Clovis and Children’s Business Fair sections will showcase work by young entrepreneurs and inventors. And the Kids Zone on 5th Street will have activities for the little ones including a petting zoo and pony rides.

The street fair runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

For those wanting to experience what balloon flight is like, tethered balloon rides will be available at the Rodeo Grounds for $15 per rider on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the weather. Locklin recommended getting there by 6 a.m to 6:15 a.m. to “get a good spot” with lift-off expected around 7.