All A’Glow

Hot air balloons and hot bands rock Historic Downtown Glendale Jan. 14 for Glendale Glitter & Glow

Dozens of hot air balloons will cast a warm glow over Historic Downtown Glendale as the city says farewell to its annual holiday light display with its equally spectacular closing ceremony, Glendale Glitter & Glow, presented by APS, on Jan. 14, from 5-10 p.m.

More than 70,000 people are expected to attend the free event, which will showcase three-dozen colorful hot air balloons, live bands and street performers under the twinkling canopy of Glendale Glitters holiday light display.

Visitors will be able to walk the streets and actually touch the tethered balloons, which pilots will fire up to glow throughout the evening.

Live Entertainment

More than a dozen live bands will entertain visitors of all musical tastes throughout the downtown area, and street performers will offer even more entertainment.

A special feature of this year’s event will be the Valley’s largest snow field. Children ages 3-8 will delight in throwing snowballs, creating their very own Frosty or making snow angels for just $1 admission.

There will be a free karaoke booth for those seeking a more hands-on experience as well as food booths, horse-drawn carriage rides, sponsor booths and activities and rides for children.

How to Get Here

Historic Downtown Glendale is located just northeast of 59th and Glendale avenues. There are more than 2,000 free parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of the festivities. Additional free parking and shuttles are available at First Southern Baptist Church, at 59th Ave. and Brown St., just south of Peoria Avenue. Security will be provided at the shuttle lot. Handicapped parking is located in all areas.

Hot air balloon operations are subject to FAA regulations with weather and wind conditions permitting.

Additional sponsors for the event include CIGNA HealthCare for Seniors, Budweiser, Kalil Bottling. Glendale’s media partner for Glitter & Glow is KTVK Channel 3. For more information, call the city of Glendale special event hotline at (623) 930-2299 or visit www.glendaleaz.com/events.

Raffle Benefits Youth Sports: Win Great Prizes

The Glendale Parks and Recreation Department is holding a raffle that will benefit its youth sports programs at 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan 14 during the Glendale Glitter and Glow event in downtown Glendale, 58th and Glendale avenues.

Premium raffle items include an authentic Phoenix Suns jersey autographed by 2005 Most Valuable Player Steve Nash, scholarships for the 2006 Arizona Diamondbacks baseball training camp, authentic Phoenix Coyotes jersey autographed by starting defenseman Paul Mara, family pack of four tickets to Phoenix Coyotes vs. Florida Panthers on Jan. 19, baseball autographed by Arizona Diamondbacks starting shortstop Royce Clayton, baseball cap autographed by Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and an autographed photograph of Arizona Diamondback all-star left fielder Luis Gonzales. Additional items will also be raffled.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. No need to be present to win. Purchase tickets at the event Jan. 14, at the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., until 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, or over the phone with credit card between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 623-930-2820.