Dozens of colorful balloons will take to the sky on Saturday from the Sterling on the Lake community in Flowery Branch.

"This is the fifth year that we've done a festival, but this will be the first time that we held the Harvest Balloon Festival," said Jennifer Landers, Sterling marketing director.

"For the last four years, we've held a pumpkin festival."

Pumpkins haven't totally disappeared from the festivities — there will be pumpkin carving and other related activities from 3-8 p.m. Saturday.

In addition to hot air balloon races and competitions, organizers have also arranged for tethered balloon rides if weather conditions allow. The tethered rides are $10 per adult and $5 for children.

There also will be dragon boat races on the community's lake and a live, family friendly music provided by Mr. Potato Head, a local performer.

"We have (hot air balloon pilots) coming from all over the country and we anticipate seeing attendees from all over too," Landers said.

"The pumpkin festival usually draws crowds of just under 2,000 people, but we expect to double attendance this year with the balloon festival."

The Harvest Balloon activities will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Sterling on the Lake, which is located at 7004 Sterling Blvd.

The balloon launch will begin at 8 a.m. on both days. Events on Saturday will run until 8 p.m. and on Sunday until 5 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free, however money raised from purchases and parking fees — $5 per vehicle — will benefit Challenged Child and Friends and the National Military Family Association.

For a complete schedule of activities, click here.