Events: Balluminaria

Setting fire to gas usually isn’t the kind of thing your local fire department wants to see happen, but when that kind of flame lights up a hot-air balloon, people come from miles around to watch the spectacle. On Saturday (“weather date” for Sunday) the Balluminaria Festival will features a dozen hot-air balloons glowing in the sky and reflecting in the lake. There will also be carolers, musicians, balloon twisters, Santa Claus with Candy Canes for kids, model sailboat demonstrations, hot chocolate and roasted almonds. To avoid parking hassles, use the free shuttle service from The Parking Company of America lot next to the Greyhound Station on Gilbert Avenue. Get details and find nearby bars and restaurants here.