Aloft Crew Putting A Little Zip in Festival

Miss Simpsonville Teen Maddie King soared to new heights across the parking lot of Greenville Health System's Hillcrest Memorial campus.

But she wasn't the only one!

At a press conference Wednesday, the media and some local dignitaries got a glimpse of Aloft.

Formerly known as Freedom Weekend Aloft, the balloning festival has undergone a major makeover. This year's festival will offer not only a new name and new logo, but also more chances for adventure.

Aloft, to be held May 24-27, will feature concerts along with 80 hot air balloons, a zip line over the causeway, four entertainment stages, craft beers, painting classes, comedy, gourmet food trucks, patriotic tributes, radio-controlled airplanes.

"We want people to be actively engaged, never running out of attractions to explore," said Cindy Nelson, executive director of Aloft. "I'm delighted by the support we're getting as we take this festival with three decades of tradition and make it even greater."

The festival also will feature an interactive slackline zone by Gibbon Slacklines. Professional athletes will demonstrate their skills with tricks and jumps on a canvas webbing that measure about two inches in width. For those interested in watersports, a paddleboarding and kayaking demonstrations also will be held on-site.

The festival crew also announced musical acts for this year's festival:

Friday, May 24: Kip Moore, Emerson Drive and Outshyne.

Saturday, May 25: Corey Smith and Andy Grammer

Sunday, May 26: Third Eye Blind with a special guest to be announced.

Tickets are $8 per person in advance and $12 at the gate before 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are free.

Aloft is sponsored by Greenville Health System. Proceeds from this year's festival will benefit the Center for Developmental Services, which currently serves more than 6,500 families in the Upstate.