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READINGTON — If there is one thing that the annual QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning depends on, it’s good weather.
It used to be that organizers of the weekend event would pay a 20-something virgin to drive to the four corners of the private Solberg-Hunterdon Airport field to chant some words, stab some onions and peppers and work her chaste magic.
It was superstition festival organizer Howard Freeman says he imported from Singapore, but had to end after the 2007 festival.
“Unfortunately — how I do I put it? — she found her true love and had her condition altered,” Freeman said last week. “We are searching for another option to give us good luck,” before adding, with hope, “It’s been such a rainy June and it’s been so hot now that we are very likely in for some great weather next week.”
A lot is riding on the weather for July 26 to 28, when about 175,000 people — nearly 50,000 more than the population of Hunterdon County — are expected to visit the 625 acres of the airport in the township’s Whitehouse Station section for the 31st annual festival. More than 100 hot air balloons, each 100 feet tall, will take to the clouds every morning and evening.
The festival pumps an estimated $42.7 million into the local and regional economy, according to a Montclair State University study released last year. That includes pay for the 1,500 workers hired by the event, visitors and pilots staying at hotels in Hunterdon and Somerset counties, and meals served at nearby restaurants.
More than just hot-air balloons, which take off early morning and in the evening, when weather conditions and temperatures are optimal, the festival features all-day activities and entertainment including magic shows, a human cannon-ball lady, amusement rides, evening fireworks, the fourth annual 5K Running With the Balloons and concerts.
Performers this year include REO Speedwagon, teen idol Ross Lynch with his family band R5, and Blues Traveler.
Freeman said the festival’s economic impact matters even more this year as the state tries to revive the economy of the Shore, which was battered last fall by superstorm Sandy. The state has budgeted $25 million in public funds for its “Stronger than the Storm” ads on expensive New York and Philadelphia TV and radio.
Freeman said that a friend living in Italy and his brother in Israel have seen the Readington festival on the news in those countries.
“That is very positive for the state, county and for the township,” he said. “You can’t buy that (publicity).”
In addition to the businesses that benefit from the crowds, the festival also gives back to local nonprofits, school groups, volunteer fire companies, rescue squads and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The event, partnering with PNC Bank, has raised more than $2.1 million over 20 years.
Recipients include the Whitehouse Volunteer Fire Company, which has been paid to direct parking at one of the festival’s 30-acre lots since 1993.
“These volunteers are a large reason for our success,” Freeman said.
Regional economy rises with annual NJ Festival of Ballooning in Readington
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