The Savannah Mall will be displaying a Hot Air Balloon participating in the inaugural “Red, White and Blue Balloon Festival” on Thursday, Oct. 30 in the mall’s parking lot from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public is invited to get a close and personal view of the enormous airship. The Savannah Mall will announce the winner of the Facebook Free Balloon Ride Contest during the pre-showing activities.

The “Red, White and Blue Balloon Festival” will officially start on Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Hunter Army Airfield. Festivities will include: Hot Air Balloons, Balloon glows, Bands, Tether Balloon Rides, Amusement Park, Bands, and food and drinks. Admission is a donation to the soldiers of Ft. Stewart and Hunter.

Each morning the hot air balloons will inflate at Hunter Army Air Field. Attendees are invited to walk among the six- and seven-story balloons as they inflate to offer tethered rides. Saturday night, the balloons will return to the field for a balloon glow, where they will be tethered and their burners lit to create an awe-inspiring light show. Festivities also include comedians and music. As an added treat, children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and trick or treat between the glowing hot air balloons.

Tethered balloon rides will be offered to allow the experience of flying in a hot air balloon while being tethered to the ground. The cost is $5 per person. Rides are limited to the first 400 people each morning.

Presenting sponsors for the event are: Levy Jewelers, WTOC, Cumulus, South Magazine. Balloon sponsors: ReMax Savannah, Georgia Southern University, Savannah Mall, Amerigas, City of Hinesville, Tanger Outlets, JCB, Inc., Pepsi, CAT and Memorial Health University Medical Center For more information. For information, contact Randy Russell at 803.652.1181.