GULF SHORES — Rainy weather didn’t ground the kick-off to the ninth annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Friday night as South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosted the launch at The Hangout in Gulf Shores with a buffet and the opportunity to sign up to volunteer at the festival, which is set for June 14-15 in Foley.

In addition, Festival Chairman Russ Moore announced that tethered balloon rides will return but they must be purchased through the Chamber beginning May 1. In addition, he said, musical entertainment at the festival will include the Dan Eubanks Band and the Tip Tops on Saturday.