In 2009, for the first time its 25-year history, the annual hot air balloon festival fell subject to a tropical storm, preventing the balloons from launching, and putting a damper on the weekend event. This weekend, however, calls for sunny skies over Norton Park for the 26th annual festival, as hosted by the Plainville Fire Company.

The event’s opening day, Friday, is expected to be in the mid-70s and sunny, according to weather reports. Saturday will be another sunny day in the high 70s and the festival will close Sunday, with more sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid-80s.

“It’s supposed to be a nice weekend so we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed,” said Fire Company Capt. Tom Moschini.

The event, since it began in 1985, has expanded each year.

“We started small with two or three balloons,” Moschini said. “Now it’s 10 to 15 balloons and all weekend long.”

The festival, which is in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the fire company, opens Friday evening at 5 p.m. At dusk will be the balloon glow, in which the balloons illuminate the night sky, with music by Avenue Groove from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. At the culmination of the performance will be fireworks.

Saturday morning’s activities will kick-off at 6 a.m. with a balloon launch, as well as another at 6 p.m. From noon until 6 p.m., festival goers will be able to enjoy a classic car show and a sock hop put on by DJ Brett Clay. From noon until 2 p.m. there will also be live music from The Aquatudes.

Saturday evening will feature a magic show, as put on by Derick Whiteneck and comedian Howie Mason. The final performance for the evening will be by Tinted Blue, a classic rock and blues band.

Sunday, activities begin at 6 a.m. with another balloon launch, and the festival closes three hours later.

All weekend, the festival will feature food from the fire company, as well as a craft show.

Proceeds from the event go back to the community Moschini said.

“”This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” he said. “The money goes toward the food pantry, non-profit organizations, to graduating high school seniors. We usually give out about five or six thousand dollars in scholarships.”

Because heavy traffic is expected for the event, police said the entrance to the event would be from South Washington Street (Route 177) and there will be no parking on South Washington Street from Broad Street to Townline Road.

There will be limited handicapped parking and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be in front of the viewing area on the south side of the park, as well as the first row of the swimming pool parking lot.

Those who live on Norton Trail will need a resident’s pass, which can be obtained through the fire department.

Upon exiting the park, guests will leave via South Washington Street and be directed both north and south. Any additional parking questions should be directed to Sgt. Charles Smedick of the Traffic Division at (860) 747-1616.

For additional information on the event, visit the Plainville Fire Company’s Web site, plainvillefireco.com.