Hot air balloons lift off from CenterPlace Event Center at dawn as part of Balloons Over Valleyfest in 2011. A balloon named “Spuds,” operated by Stephanie Hughes, of Spokane, is being filled as another lifts off toward the east. SR file photo.

According to an email I received from Valleyfest yesterday, time is running out to buy tickets for the dinner and auction Friday that benefits Valleyfest. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, and will be catered by Red Rock Catering. The items up for bid include a cruise, a Cessna 182 flight, a vation house, Mariners tickets, wine baskets, an international time share and gift certificates to local restaurants. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling (509) 922-3299 or visiting www.valleyfest.org.

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