To the Editor:
Paid to attend Saturday’s festival. Arrived in time for opening at 6:30 a.m. Staff was totally disorganized. There were no signs to clearly indicate where to enter or park. When entering, staff did not know how to handle the check-in so it was long.
Expected to see, at a minimum, 20 balloons as advertised, but were told that the balloons were “flying in” at 8 a.m.? At 7:30 a.m., one balloon was spotted and did manage to land on the polo field. We were than told that due to inclement weather, there would be no further balloons landing – perfectly understandable. Safety first. Spoke with another couple who told us they attended Friday’s event and there were NO balloons from 1 to 7 p.m. so they were given free tickets to return on Saturday, which was another debacle. Most of us there had attended other balloon festivals and were expecting an ascension on Saturday morning. A “fly in”? Why?
Many people were complaining and upset wanting their money back. The majority of people left early. Of course, The Villages will never give money back. Advertising for this event was a sham overall. Vendors did not open their booths until 11 a.m. Arrive at 6:30 and not even a place to buy coffee was open. Will never attend another Balloon Festival in The Villages.
Pamela Huckins
Plantation at Leesburg
