It is balloon!

*tap tap* Is this thing on?

It is balloon!

No? No F-Troop fans still out there? That's OK. Larry Storch doesn't know who you are either.

Balloons, yes, and lots of them. Two balloon festivals are taking place this weekend in New Jersey; the QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Readington and the Hot Air Balloon Festival at the Warren County Farmers Fair. We highly suggest following this link if for no other reason that to see the balloon inspired by the shore's post-Sandy recovery, a 115 foot tall balloon that's shaped like a lighthouse. Compliments of Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning.

Everyone loves balloons. It just looks like a peaceful (sans the hot air blasts) way to spend some time enjoying life. Wouldn't it be wonderful if just for one day, one afternoon if a wondrous parade of balloons was allowed up the Hudson River just once? We know it's not that plausible as some may stray into some very tall buildings in the swirling winds of New York Harbor, and nobody wants to clean that up. Still, perchance to dream for the photo opportunities alone.

You can follow the link for all the information on exactly where the festivals are and how much tickets are (VIP packages are available). And if that weren't enough on Saturday night at the QuickChek Festival performing on the main stage, you can ride the storm out with REO Speedwagon which answers the question what ever happened to REO Speedwagon. Playing the hardscrabble world of balloon festivals.