Sterling on the Lake invites visitors and residents to the third annual Harvest Balloon Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the community’s Village Green, 7005 Lake Sterling Blvd., in Flowery Branch, Ga. The fall fun heats up with this seasonal festival that includes balloon rides and a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can soar above the community on tethered balloon rides and enjoy an evening balloon glow. Other festivities will include pumpkin carving and painting, hay rides, games, face painting, live music and treats from food vendors, carnival stands and a bake sale. Proceeds will be donated to Challenged Child and Friends, a local non-profit for children with disabilities, and the Hall County Animal Shelter. Visitors can meet and adopt a dog at the shelter’s pet adoption tent as well as participate in the blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross. Attendees are also welcome to tour model homes in the Sterling on the Lake community during their visit. For more details, visit www.harvestballoonfestival.com or call (770) 967-9777. Admission into the festival is free and parking is $5 per car.