Kissimmee Blue Skies & Silver Spurs Festival Takes Flight May 31- June 2, 2013

KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With four festivals rolled into one, family fun is at an all-time high this summer. Look up toward the blue skies as hot air balloons lift up, up and away, feel the rush during wild rodeo action, sway to original country tunes and challenge your endurance at an adventure race during the inaugural Kissimmee Blue Skies & Silver Spurs Festival.

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The festival promises three days of excitement and fun from May 31- June 2, 2013 at Formosa Gardens and Osceola Heritage Park (OHP) in Kissimmee, Fla.

Rope in the excitement as you watch professional rodeo cowboys fight to stay on an angry bull and cowgirls run barrels astride their horses during the Silver Spurs Rodeo. The rodeo, held at the indoor Silver Spurs Arena, is the largest sanctioned rodeo east of the Mississippi and has been a Kissimmee favorite since the 1940s. Rodeo events will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 at OHP. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at silverspursrodeo.com.

In the early morning hours, dozens of balloons of all shapes and sizes will take flight during the Blue Skies Balloon Festival. The glorious launch will take your breath away whether you're watching from the ground or enjoying the sights from within a balloon basket. Launches will take place Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 at 7 a.m. in the Formosa Gardens Area off West US Highway 192. Tickets to ride will be available beginning March 25 for $185 at kissimmeeblueskiesfestival.com.

While the balloons are floating above, there's a challenge below with the Blue Skies Adventure Race. Cowboy up for a 5-mile race complete with eight grueling, rodeo themed obstacles that will test your level of adventure. A fully sanctioned and professionally timed race will take place Saturday, June 1 at 7 a.m. at the Formosa Gardens Area. Registration for the race is $50 per runner and available at epicsportsmarketing.com.

In addition to enjoying the sights of hot air balloons above, spectators will be able to enjoy food and ziplining. Race activities also will be available for children.

The afternoon is your chance to take in the sounds of summer. You know that song. You've heard it before. But, you haven't heard it sung by the person who wrote it. At the Endless Summer Songwriters Festival brought to you by Share a Little Sunshine, songwriters and their bands will perform top country songs on the open stage under the blue sky at OHP. Music and local food will fill the complex on East US Highway 192 Friday, May 31, 4:30- 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 from noon-7 p.m.

As the sun sets on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 2, the balloons participating in the Blue Skies Balloon festival will take rest on the lawn of OHP. You won't want to miss the opportunity to take in the beautiful sight of dozens of balloons filled with light during the balloon glow.

For tickets to all components of the festival and a full entertainment schedule, call 800-831-1844 or visit www.kissimmeeblueskiesfestival.com.

Full Schedule

Friday, May 31
Osceola Heritage Park
4-7p.m. – Endless Summer Songwriters Festival
7:30p.m. – Silver Spurs Rodeo

Saturday, June 1
Formosa Gardens
6 a.m. – Blue Skies Adventure Race registration
7 a.m. – Blue Skies Adventure Race start
7 a.m. – Balloon launch

Osceola Heritage Park
12-7 p.m. – Endless Summer Songwriters Festival
7:30 p.m. – Silver Spurs Rodeo

Sunday, June 2
Formosa Gardens
6 a.m. – Blue Skies Adventure Race registration
7 a.m. –Blue Skies Adventure Race start
7 a.m. – Balloon launch

Kissimmee is the gateway to fun, with access to world-famous theme parks, a diverse slate of outdoor adventures ranging from slow and easy to roller-coaster thrilling. The destination is complemented by luxurious spas, championship golf courses, and more. All the experiences are enhanced by more than 47,000 accommodations that suit every traveler's needs.

Plan a trip to Kissimmee now by visiting www.experiencekissimmee.com.

SOURCE Experience Kissimmee