The Route 66 Balloon and Kite Festival began Friday in Arcadia, drawing visitors for a weekend of hot air balloons, kites, food, and live entertainment. The three-day event runs through Sunday, September 28.

Festival highlights include tethered hot air balloon rides, available daily from about 6 to 9 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. until sundown, depending on wind conditions. “Until the last person has had their ride,” said Pilot Jeff, one of the balloon operators.

“Well, Tether Ride is just a taste of an actual balloon flight,” Jeff explained. “We go up about 75 feet. You’ve got a beautiful view, right about treetop height. And you get just a taste of what it’s like to be in a hot air balloon flying on a regular flight.”

Jeff said tethered rides are approachable for nearly everyone.

“Every

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