SeeCalifornia.com

Temecula  Balloon and Wine Festival returns June 1 -3, 2012 at Lake Skinner County Park and launches the weekend with the sounds of Phil Vassar, Country Western musician known for a string of hits. His familiar songs promise to launch the annual festival higher than ever before. It is one of the many festivals coming up in California.

Country Friday features Phil Vassar, Chris Cagle, and Gloriana in concert. Vassar was first discovered by Engelbert Humperdinck in a Nashville club. Humperdinck recorded Vassar’s “Once in a While” in 1996, leading to a publishing contract with EMI and a string of hits written for country stars including: Collin Raye “Little Red Rodeo,” Alan Jackson “Right on the Money,” Tim McGraw “For a Little While,” Jo Dee Messina “Bye Bye,” and “I’m Alright,” and BlackHawk “Postmarked Birmingham.”  Lifehouse, Phil Vassar, Chris Cagle, Gloriana, Soul Asylum and Tonic will headline the concerts at the event.

The annual three day festival includes wine tastings and food pairings, arts & crafts, top musical acts and balloon rides. Daytime temps are expected to be around 81 degrees. When night hits the temperature is around 57. Take a jacket if you go. See: tvbwf.com for times and fees.

Where to spend the night:  Because the event is so popular, most lodgings are already booked. We saw Temecula hotel rooms available at two places, but you probably should book them fast if you plan to visit and stay overnight. If you are willing to spend 30 minutes driving to Hemet, there are hotels available there.

Highlights:

• Balloon Launch: Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. launch with balloons returning to the ground by 8:30 am (weather permitting).
• Balloon Glow: Friday evening AND Saturday evening after sundown (weather permitting).
• Balloon Rides: Hot air balloon rides will be available and must be reserved in advance, call 1-800-965-2122.