Updated as of Sept. 9 at 7:31 p.m. to include additional photos.

The Carolina blue sky is getting a little more colorful this weekend in Alamance County. 

ALCOVETS is hosting a balloon festival this weekend Sept. 9-11 at Cedarock Park in Burlington.

This year’s festival marks the first in 20 years and will feature 21 hot air balloons, vendors, food trucks and other activities for families. There will be a ceremony Sunday to commemorate 9/11. 

The nonprofit, ALCOVETS, is a veteran organization based in Graham, which provides outreach and hosts events to educate the public on the needs of veterans in and around Alamance County. 

Funds raised this year will go to the construction of the Chesnut Ridge Campus, a veterans’ retreat campus at the top of Bass Mountain. 

Bobby Chin, ALCOVETS secretary said he expects thousands of people to attend the festival from more states than just North Carolina. This morning was a learning experience for him. 

“It’s these little glitches we’re working out,” Chin said. “We’ve made sure that tomorrow, absolutely this will workout.”  

While the conditions this morning looked promising at first, the balloons were only able to take flight while tethered to the trucks. 

Pilot Pete Colwell said if the balloons were to take flight with the fog, he would be unable to see the ground. 

“You become somewhat of a meteorologist,” Colwell said. “A lot of ballooning is knowing when to fly and when not to fly”

ALCOVETS invites more than 20 hot air balloons to their festival Sept. 9-11.

Marsha Lambertson is the head balloon meister and owner of AeroSports balloons, the company hired to operate the program. She said despite the flight delay, she is looking forward to the weekend ahead. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring ballooning back to Alamance County,” Lambertson said. “It’s the most incredible family event you can imagine.” 

Lambertson said with support from Maverick Radio, she hopes thousands attend the festival. 

“Hot air balloons will be flying two times a day weather permitting,” Lambertson said. “They will fill up this field right here with the most amazing color and activity you’ve ever seen.” 

Residents and families looking to schedule a ride can sign up on ALCOVETS’ website.