Balloon rides at Green River Fest

Published on July 18, 2008

Originating near Marlboro, Vermont, the Green River flows southeast through a steep narrow valley into Massachusetts, dividing the towns of Colrain and Leyden before meandering through Greenfield and merging with the Deerfield River just south of the city. Each year the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce celebrates this tributary and its bounties - the river contributes to Greenfield's water supply and offers many recreational activities - with the Green River Festival, a weekend hullabaloo on the grounds of Greenfield Community College that combines music on two stages, a dance tent, a wide array of kid's activities and entertainment, food (classic American fare, ethnic specialties, vegetarian), crafts and hot air balloon rides.

The gates at GCC open at 5 p.m. on July 18 with music starting at 6. Look for Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, Eilen Jewell, The Red Stick Ramblers, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys and Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade. The evening will close with a spectacular balloon illumination at 9:30.

Saturday starts with free admission to the grounds for a traditional 6 a.m. balloon launch. Gates open to paying festivalgoers at 12:30 p.m., with music starting at 1:30. The performance lineup includes Lucinda Williams, Mavis Staples, Los Straightjackets, Crooked Still, Forro in the Dark, The Greencards, Caroline Herring, Little Sandy & The Fly-Rite Boys, Royer's One-Man Band, The Sacred Shakers, Primate Fiasco, Gokh-Bi System, and Forro in the Dark. An evening hot air balloon launch is scheduled at 6 p.m. and the festival officially concludes with another balloon launch Sunday at 6 a.m.

Festival tickets - $25 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, $60 for both days (children under 12 free) - are available at the gate or www.greenriverfestival.com. Balloon rides are $225 and may also be purchased online.

The festival takes place rain or shine. Free parking. Dogs and alcohol not allowed. Greenfield Community College is one mile from the Route 2 /Interstate 91 rotary, just off I-91 exit 26. 

- DAN DENICOLA