By TAYLOR HARTZ STAFF WRITER A new shuttle bus service arrived just in time for record-breaking crowds at this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival, hosted by the Plainville Fire Department (PFD.) “It’s the biggest crowd I’ve seen,” said Seargent John R. Quilter, Plainville Police Department. Food vendors, shop owners, and balloon lovers filled Norton Park on Friday evening for the balloon glow and fireworks display, followed by a weekend’s worth of festivities and balloons soaring over the town. Although the park was filled with children and adults alike marveling at the colorful sights in the sky, the crowds showed what a beloved tradition the festival is for Connecticut residents. Despite the larger than expected turn out, Sgt. Quilter said the PPD and fire department “worked with it” to keep things organized. The free shuttle service allowed extra parking spaces at the GE lot on Woodford Avenue and on Hooker Street, with shuttles running Friday and Saturday in an effort the fier department described as “a convenient, efficient way to alleviate long waits at the park.” Quilter, who helped escort drivers in and out of the packed lots, said he most enjoyed the fireworks display and thinks the festival is a […]
By TAYLOR HARTZ STAFF WRITER A new shuttle bus service arrived just in time for record-breaking crowds at this year’s Hot Air Balloon Festival, hosted by the Plainville Fire Department (PFD.) “It’s the biggest crowd I’ve seen,” said Seargent John R. Quilter, Plainville Police Department. Food vendors, shop owners, and balloon lovers filled Norton Park on Friday evening for the balloon glow and fireworks display, followed by a weekend’s worth of festivities and balloons soaring over the town. Although the park was filled with children and adults alike marveling at the colorful sights in the sky, the crowds showed what a beloved tradition the festival is for Connecticut residents. Despite the larger than expected turn out, Sgt. Quilter said the PPD and fire department “worked with it” to keep things organized. The free shuttle service allowed extra parking spaces at the GE lot on Woodford Avenue and on Hooker Street, with shuttles running Friday and Saturday in an effort the fier department described as “a convenient, efficient way to alleviate long waits at the park.” Quilter, who helped escort drivers in and out of the packed lots, said he most enjoyed the fireworks display and thinks the festival is a […]