ClovisFest still set to fly despite weather

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Despite a pretty good soaking Friday and the chance for rain on Sunday, ClovisFest will still go on as scheduled.

"It's raining today but who knows about tomorrow," Clovis Chamber of Commerce Mark Blackney said. "And who knows about Sunday but the all weather predictions are beautiful, beautiful Saturday."

The hot air balloons are the star of the show. Operators come from all around the state to showcase their colorful balloons during ClovisFest. The giant balloons will launch at sunrise on Saturday and Sunday from the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, weather permitting. Bob Locklin has been operating hot air balloons for the past 19 years.

"You would think after a few years you'd get tired of it but I take as many pictures as the guys on the ground," he said. "We really enjoy it. It's so beautiful."

Residents are encouraged to show up early. Organizers are expecting over 90,000 visitors in Old Town this weekend to not only watch the balloons but to enjoy the free family fun as well.

"It's an amazing event because there are so many different kinds of booths for all kinds of things," said Betsy Pavich of Clovis. "I come for the food. It's very exciting because there's so much. Clovis pulls together for these types of events and does such an amazing job. It's going to be fun."

The city moved this year's ClovisFest from September to October to avoid the summer heat.

"It should be great tomorrow," Locklin said. "It's going to be a good day to be walking around the festival because it's not going to be too hot that's going to be a benefit. And when it's cooler, we fly better so we enjoy it a little bit more so we're really looking forward to this being the time for Clovis Fest now."