Orange County Attractions Rise Again Two iconic Orange County entertainment sites welcomed back guest May 6 after being closed more than a year. In Irvine, Calif., the Orange County Great Park’s hot air balloon took flight for the first time in about 14 months. “We’re very excited to be able to resume a flight on the balloon,” city spokesperson Kristina Perrigoue told The Epoch Times. Residents eagerly waited on shady park benches to ride the balloon until it was their turn, including a family of four that was celebrating a 40th birthday. First-time riders came off the hot air balloon shouting in thrill of their experience 400 feet above the City of Irvine.