Federal court grants preliminary injunction protecting Cathedral City hot air balloon festival
Jesus Reyes
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — A federal court granted a preliminary injunction for Cathedral City prohibiting Fantasy Balloon Flights (FBF) and its principals from engaging in conduct that interferes with the annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the city announced Monday.
City officials said the order protected the city’s rights to the hot air balloon festival by prohibiting the defendants from engaging in conduct that the Court found likely to be unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent under California’s Unfair Competition Law.
“Today’s order protects the integrity of our community’s beloved festival and gives residents, visitors, pilots, and sponsors clear assurance about who is running the official event,” said Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the authentic Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on November 21–23.”
The lawsuit centered on FBF’s use of the “Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival” name to advertise a competing event after its contract expired to operate the festival and losing a competitive bidding process in 2025, according to the city.
Last month, FBF “disavowed the future use” of the city’s balloon festival name.
According to the city, based on extensive declarations and exhibits, the Court found Cathedral City is likely to succeed on its UCL claim.
“The Court cited evidence that the defendants (1) held themselves out as authorized organizers of the official 2025 Festival, (2) solicited and accepted sponsorships and pilot deposits without the City’s authorization, (3) created confusion among pilots, sponsors, and venues, and (4) took steps inconsistent with its prior statement to the Court that it had “moved on” from the City’s Festival, including securing FAA approval in June 2025 under Cindy Wilkinson’s name for the ‘Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.'”
Preliminary Injunction OrderDownload
The 11th annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on Nov. 21-23, featuring more than 20 colorful hot air balloons, food trucks, family activities, a drone light show, games and live entertainment, headlined by Robin Thicke.