The weather should clear for this weekend's Children’s Miracle Network/Carolina Crossroads Hot Air Balloon Festival, Friday & Saturday in Roanoke Rapids.

Organizers say more than a dozen pilots from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Missouri are planning to attend the two-day event. They will compete in balloon races and skill competitions.

The event is taking place at the Carolina Crossroads Outdoor Amphitheater.

Saturday’s hot air events begin at 6 a.m. with pilot competitions and a mass ascension is scheduled for 6 p.m.

In addition to the balloons, Carolina Crossroads will be full of entertainment this weekend. Those include performances by country stars Danielle Peck, the Zac Brown Band, and Kyle Wyley. Saturday evening will also feature a special appearance by comedian Jeff Foxworthy.

Gates open Friday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon.

A portion of the proceeds from this weekend’s events benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and its affiliated hospitals: University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina’s Children’s Hospital in Greenville and Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center in Durham.