NJ Lotto Fest names new event director

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William Hobbs has been named festival director for the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning and for the Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival, two multi-day events held annually each summer in northwestern New Jersey.

Hobbs’ background is in special event production, management and operations with various music festivals, nonprofits, universities, business startups and local municipalities. He’s done digital marketing, box office operations, vendor relations, volunteer staffing and event administration at events including Blue Ridge Rock Festival and FloydFest.

“The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning enjoys a long history of creating memories that last a lifetime for generations of families and Rock, Ribs & Ridges offers a truly unique experience,” said Hobbs in a prepared statement on his new role. “I look forward to being a part of this great team, the festivals’ tradition and continuing to make people feel excited and feel at home when they attend both festivals.”

The 39th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America, and has been recognized as the premiere family entertainment attraction in New Jersey by the USA TODAY Network and one of the Top 50 Festivals in America by MSN.

The balloon festival includes daily concerts and family-friendly entertainment and will kick off at Solberg Airport in Readington once again July 29 through July 31.

The 12th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival brings country, classic and Southern rock to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, where artists perform alongside tents servings up mouthwatering barbecue made by some of the top pitmasters from around the country. Rock, Ribs & Ridges, presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, comes to Augusta again June 24, 25 and 26.

The events are produced by The Festival Group and Promo1 in Fairfield.