COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - The Second Annual Susquehanna Balloon Festival takes off every morning from Oneonta's Neahwa Park during the three day Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 5 and 6. Brooks House of Barbecue serves up its yummy chicken and ribs both Friday and Saturday evenings.  On Friday, from 4:30 to 7:30, the Central New York Radio Station's Ultimate Idol winners will perform on the bandstand with DJ Jimmy Capone.

The Ultimate Idol Contest is a summer-long singing talent competition that started in early summer with 60 contestants from throughout central New York State and Pennsylvania.  Four winners were selected in mid-August before an audience of more than 800 at Foothills Performing Arts Center.  Winners of the Junior Ultimate Idol Contest (ages 13 to 20) will also return to the Neahwa Park stage on Friday to entertain fans and balloon lovers alike.

At eight o'clock on Saturday evening balloons will light up the intimate Neahwa Park with a spectacular "GLOW," sponsored by Otsego County Tourism. Food and entertainment will also be provided. Other sponsors include Latte Lounge, Benson Real Estate, Brewery Ommegang, Wilber National Bank, Five Star Subaru, the Clarion Hotel, Brooks House of Barbecue and Seward Sand and Gravel. Champagne will be provided by Prolifiq   Signs and Paraco Gas Corporation will provide propane.

The hot air balloons will launch at 6:00 pm on Friday, at 6:30 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday and at 6:00 am on Sunday, weather permitting. Balloon rides may be purchased before the launches.  The cost is $200 per person.

The City of Oneonta is located half-way between Albany and Binghamton on route I-88 about 30 minutes south of Cooperstown.  To view an online aerial video, find out more information on Otsego County events and plan your trip, please click on www.ThisIsCooperstown.com or call 800-843-3394.

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Credit:  ThisIsCooperstown.com

Contact: Deborah J. Taylor, Tourism Director

Taylord@otsegocounty.com

607-643-0059