Concerned over rising cases of COVID-19 in the Southwest Valley, organizers of the 10th annual Arizona Balloon Classic planned at Goodyear Ballpark in January have moved the festival to April.

Arizona Events Group announced Nov. 30 the festival will be held Friday, April 30, to Sunday, May 2, at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.

They also announced a new edition, the Desert Winds Kite Festival, an outdoor exhibit by My Wind Stuff and Premier Kites & Designs. The exhibit will feature huge show kites, candy canons, paper rocket making and launching and parachute ground racing.

Festival-goers will be able to purchase kites for all ages and abilities, including single-line and dual-line sport kites, and quad-line stunt kites. Kite show times will be based on weather conditions, organizers said.

GOOD THINGS HAPPENING IN GOODYEAR:
Father-daughter team get to the HeART of 1960s Goodyear

Other shows and activities planned during the weekend include:

Arizona Balloon Classic Hare and Hound races: From 7:35 to 8:35 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, dawn will be broken by brilliant blues, purples, oranges and reds as hot air balloons lift off from the ballpark’s grassy fields while spectators watch crews inflate the balloons and lift off. Photo taking is invited.

Desert Glows: From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, festival-goers can experience a field full of illuminated, tethered hot air balloons as they glow in time to music.

Family Fun Zone: Assorted ticketed and free activities will run from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, including hot air balloon rides and tethered rides, free inflatable games, stunt bike shows, live entertainment, sampling and more. The zone also will feature vendors and commercial exhibits for purchases or browsing. Saturday night’s activities will conclude with fireworks.

Street Foodfest: The festival’s fourth annual foodfest will feature beer and wine gardens, local food truck and festival food favorites, and a live music stage from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Daily admission is $20 per person at the gate, or tickets may be purchased at abcfest.com beginning Saturday, Dec. 12. Active-duty military and children ages 12 younger are free. Group ticket packages available. General parking is $5 at the ballpark.

Each year, Arizona Balloon Classic donates a portion of alcoholic beverage and ticket sales to a local nonprofit. This year’s partner is Valley of the Sun United Way. Last year’s festival raised $7,500 for ABC’s partner.

Organizers also have added 12 Days of Giveaways on Facebook and Instagram from Dec. 14 to 25, giving festival fans a chance to win tickets to the festival. Follow @ArizonaBalloonClassic on Facebook or Instagram to be entered to win.