WRISTBAND PICKUP TODAY plus BALLOONS AND POLO LESSONS SATURDAY!!! ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
GRAPE STOMP & SAFARI TOURS: The Grape Stomp is scheduled to occur at 3PM’ish on Saturday. All guests are invited to take part in this fun and time honored tradition at Grapetown Winery! Take some pictures! Want to meet our camels, zebras and more? Safari Tours are available but must be purchased in advance at www.grapetownvineyard.com
EVENT: A fun, casual event in the Heart of the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg, Texas. Guests can pick up their wristbands at Bankersmith, TX TODAY (Friday) from 5PM-7PM to avoid lines on Saturday. Saturday’s event is from 3PM-8PM. Balloons are extremely weather contingent! But the weather is looking great. Helicopter rides will also be available.
POLO: Lessons will take place Saturday from 2PM until 4PM’ish. This is a great Polo Clinic and lessons are still available for sale! This introduction to Polo includes characteristics of the sport, a brief history, riding for polo, Polo start in the stirrups, commands with the horse, hands, holding the reins and positions on the horse. You will learn the proper use of a polo mallet, how to handle, the swing and the four basics strokes! Get your passes at www.thebestoftexas.org
PARKING: Pre-purchasing a parking pass is mandatory. Purchase your parking today. When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. We have free ranging livestock, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. Parking is cheaper online and when purchased in advance. Full details: www.thebestoftexas.org
WEATHER: The current forecast is showing a sunny day with low winds. If you are only coming to see the Hot Air Balloons, you should NOT arrive before 5PM. Gates open at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard for polo, balloon activations (weather contingent), and more at 3PM on Saturday. Conditions are looking ideal for our Hot Air Balloon activation starting around 5PM on Saturday. If you are ONLY coming for Balloons, we suggest you come around 5PM and be patient. Very patient. Unless the winds shift dramatically, conditions will indeed allow for Balloon Inflations and Rides, but it may be late afternoon or early evening when it occurs. Watch your Weather Channel App for wind speeds under 7MPH. We suggest you come prepared to enjoy the music, our farm, several bars, polo lessons (Still Available – 2PM-4PM), vendors (Chocolate Tastings!!!) etc. while you wait for the winds to moderate for our Hot Air Balloon activation. Gates officially open at 3PM!
DETAILS: On Saturday, we will have 2-3 balloons and full crews on site to conduct tethered Hot Air Balloon rides. When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to any fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. We have free ranging livestock, exotic animals, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. The balloons (on Saturday ONLY) are big and beautiful when inflated (weather contingent) and you will have a chance to get up close for photos. Please remember, we can only inflate when the winds allow. Balloons are extremely weather contingent.
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LODGING: We have lodging available onsite! Check out our AirBnB and camping listings here: https://bankersmithtexas.com/lodging
BANKERSMITH TEXAS: Check out Bankersmith Dance Hall and Saloon if you have time! Literally across the street from Grapetown! Look at their website before you head to Bankersmith, Texas (www.bankersmithtexas.com). All our ticket holders can enjoy Bankersmith Saturday AND Sunday during the day and all weekend!
10% DISCOUNT: Our sponsor The Stable Cocktail Bar has graciously agreed to give all of our guests 10% off their tab ANY DAY THIS WEEKEND. Will you be in downtown Fredericksburg this week? Go grab a drink or lunch/dinner at the Stable across from HEB! Open during the day and evenings, they serve the best cocktails and food in town. Just stop by ANYTIME this WEEK or WEEKEND and mention “POLO”. You can use the discount ALL WEEKEND until SUNDAY at 10PM!
WARNING: We ain’t fancy. Whoaaaa Trigger, whoa! If you are high maintenance and can’t appreciate the simple things, this is probably not the event to attend. Maybe try Dallas. You ain’t at the Ritz no mo’! Manage your expectations cowboy. This is not a festival with hundreds of balloons. If you are looking for a festival with hundreds of balloons, or even dozens – do not come to this event. You will be disappointed. This is a casual Balloon and Polo Party with a down home Texas twist! You’ll be driving into the country! Please don’t come expecting a Ritz Cartlon in New York! Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals. Stay 10 feet away from all fences. Some animals on our property are extremely dangerous. Take pictures from afar. Take a breath and get ready to enjoy the country! Alpacas. Goats. Bison. And more! We have local artists and bands playing throughout the day Saturday. Head to Bankersmith on Saturday (7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg Texas 78624) at Noon for some live music, drinks, food and our Day Of pre party. Gates open at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard for polo, balloon activations (weather contingent), helicopters and more at 3PM. We have NATURAL HVAC and air conditioning. What’s that? A Hill Country Breeze and Ice Cold Beer. That’s it. So come prepared. Dress appropriately. The weather forecast is great. The VIP Chocolate & Drink Service will run from 3 PM until 6 PM on Saturday at Grapetown Farm and Vineyard (or until sold out) in our VIP Tasting Room Area!
DANGEROUS ANIMALS: When you enter the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm property, stay in your vehicle and NEVER get close to fences. Maintain a car speed under 10MPH. We have free ranging livestock, children and guests. Please DO NOT SPEED on property. Do not attempt to pet or feed the animals. Stay 10 feet away from all fences. Some animals on our property are extremely dangerous. Take pictures from afar. Take a breath and get ready to enjoy the country!
PRINTED TICKETS: Wireless service and internet do not work on the property. PLEASE PRINT YOUR TICKETS in ADVANCE and HAVE THEM READY at entrance!
EVENT LOCATION & PARKING: Address for Bankersmith Bar and Dance Hall is 7905 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas in a historic Texas Ghost Town called Bankersmith, Texas! Address for Grapetown Farm and Vineyard (across the street) is 8142 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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