1999 Balloon Life Calendar of Events
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January
15-16 Las Cruces, New Mexico
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. 75 balloons, invitational. Contact Janette Stone 5109 Hacienda, Las Cruces, NM 88011, 505-382-5465, email: stonej@zianet.com
29-30 Durango, Colorado
SnowDown Balloon Rally, Invitational, 25 balloons. Contact Beth LaShell, 147 LaPlata View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, phone 970-385-4136, email: blashell@compuserve.com
28-30 Charlotte, North Carolina
Carolina's Balloon Association Safety Seminar 2000. Contact Kristie Darling, 399 W Page Hager Rd, Cleveland, NC 27013, ph 704-872-7761 or e-mail: KrisDarlin@aol.com.
February
4-6 Hudson, Wisconsin
Eleventh annual Hudson Hot Air Affair balloon rally and winter festival. Hudson Hot Air Affair, PO Box 744, Hudson, WI 54016. Phone 888-AIR-AFFAIR, e-mail hotair@pressenter.com, Internet: www.pressenter.com/~hotair
13-15 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Friends and Lovers Rally, Invitational 135+ balloons. Contact Carol Bair, 8801 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, (505) 296-3505
26-27 Puyallup, Washington
Safety Seminar. Back to Basics and Enrichment. Featured speaker Don Piccard. Contact Mandy Johnson, 17128 SE Covington-Sawyer Rd, Kent, WA 98042, 253-630-0749 e-mailto: kindaducky@aol.com
26-27 Chama, New Mexico
Chama Snowmobile/Balloon Rally. 28 balloons invitational. Contact Robin Busick 505-883-5874.
26-27 Farmington, New Mexico
Shiprock Balloon Rally. Contact Mike Hesse 505-598-0887.
March
3 Millersville, Pennsylvania
John Wise Balloon Society Safety Seminar. Millersville University-McComsey Hall. Email Sherry Willauer at swpa@lancnews.infi.net
10-12 Akron, Ohio
Balloonowledge 2000 Safety Seminar and Trade Fair. Contact Penny Suttle, 480 S Bodmer, Strasburg, OH 44680-1216, 330-878-7201, e-mailto: dct@wilkshire.net
18 West Windsor, New Jersey
Great Eastern Balloon Association Safety Seminar. Merver County Community College Contact Al Dashevsky at 732-521-4440 or email: neonwind@balloonist.com
18-19 Las Lunas, New Mexico
16th annual St Patrick's Day Rally. Contact Valencia Flying and Retrieval Society 505-565-0221.
24-25 Macon, Georgia
18th Annual Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Presents the Sprint PCS 2000 Cherry Blossom Festival BalloonFest. 35 balloons Contact Tiffany Kitchens, Cherry Blossom Festival, 794 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201, 912-751-7429. e-mailto: cbf@cherryblossom.com
25 Cheyene, Wyoming
Cheyenne Hot Air Balloon Club Safety Seminar for all interested balloon pilots and crew in Cheyenne, WY. Contact: Heather Day at 213 West 2nd Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001. Phone: 307-638-0884. E-mail: doday@wyoming.com
April
7-9 Atlanta, Georgia
64th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. 35 balloons in downtown Atlanta's Piedmont Park. Great demographics for commercial balloons. Media tether, glow, flights. Contact Bob Tettman, AdVentures Aloft, POB 464246, Lawrenceville, GA 30042. 770-963-0149, adventuresaloft@compuserve.com
11-16 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons Over Waikato, see Balloon Life July 99. Contact Diane McKee, 150 Moire Rd, Royal Hts, Auckland, NZ. Ph 011-64-94168590, email: balexped@ihug.co.nz
14-16 Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk Spring Spectacular and Balloon Fest. 70 balloons, key grab, prize money, Southern hospitality. Contact: Contact Suffolk Festivals, Inc., PO Box 1852, Suffolk, VA 23439. 757-539-6751 ask for Lisa, email: lstevens@suffolkfest.com. Balloonmeister Rene Meier at (804) 694-5800, email: blnpromotions@ccsinc.com
14-16 Sebring, Florida
Florida Orange Blossom Balloon Festival, BFA sanctioned, 50 balloons, $12,500 prize money, propane, parties, pilot packs, banner and sponsor passenger, $50 private entry, $800 corporate entry. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, POB 51591,Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240, 904-247-1241, Fax 904-246-5646, e-mailto: balloonmeister@juno.com.
29-30 Elephant Butte, New Mexico
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. Contact Julia Cooper 505-744-5140 or Susan LaFont 505-744-5431
May
5-7 Live Oak, Florida
5th Spirit of the Suwannee Balloon Classi. 15 balloons, $3,000 prize money. BFA sanctioned. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. Phone 904-247-1241, Fax 904-246-5646, e-mailto: balloonmeister@juno.com
5-7 Bentonville, Arkansas
Ozark Balloon Fest, annual event sponsored by Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce Charity for Benton Children Shelter. 30 balloons. Contact Bentonville Chamber, 412 S Main, Bentonville, AR 72712. 501-273-2841 or Darrel Weiland, balloonmeister e-mailto: weiland@arkansas.net
12-14 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 30 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, 13707 Copper Hills Dr., Manchaca, TX 78652, 512-280-2558, e-mailto: aeronaut@freewwweb.com
12-14 Post Mills, Vermont
7th Annual Experimental Balloonand Airship Meet. Largest gathering of homebuilt lighter than air flying machines and enthusiasts. Contact Brian or Louise Boland, PO Box 51, Post Mills, VT 05058, 802-333-9254, email: balloons@vermontel.com
12-14 Walla Walla, Washington
26th Silver AnniversaryWalla Walla Balloon Stampede. Contact the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 644, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-525-0850.
12-14 Burlington, North Carolina
The Hospice League Horizons Balloon Festival & Special Shapes Challenge, 70+ balloons. All proceeds to benefit The Hospice Home. Contact Bonnie Foster, PO Box 2122, Burlington, NC 27216. 336- 538-8048.
19-21 Madras, Oregon
The `2000' Collage of Culture celebrates cultural diversity. 25 balloons, light hearted flying. Contact Derek Hancock 503-638-3254, e-mailto: derekhancock@juno.com
19-21 Gasburg, Virginia
Lake Gaston Resort Balloon Hot Air Balloon Classic, Gasburg, VA, May 21-23, 1999, $12,000 prize money, 30 balloons, Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, or call 904-247-1241, Fax 904-246-5646 e-mailto: balloonmeister@juno.com
19-21 El Dorado Hills, California
BalloonFest 2000 at Serrano. 40 balloons. Non-competitive, with show-up and participation money and many amenities. Dawn Patrol, evening balloon show. Benefits Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Contact: Gary Rominger, 8334 La Riviera Dr., Sacramento, CA 95826. E-mail: BalloonFest2000@aol.com., Internet: www.serranoeldorado.com/balloonfest.htm
21 Bimini, Bahamas
Millennium Challenge Hot Air Balloon Race from Bimini to Florida. Contact Jeff Cable 800-339-5327. Internet: www.skyrace2000.com
26-28 Canandaigua, New York
Mercy Flight Balloon Festival. Contact Bill Hand, 131 Wildherd Dr, Henrietta, NY 14467
26-29 Anderson, South Carolina
19th Annual Pontiac's Freedom Weekend Aloft. 100 balloons. Contact FWA, Keri Hall, Event Director, 1990 Augusta St, Suite 202, Greenville, SC 29605, (864) 232-3700, or fax (864) 271-9339. Internet: www.freedomwkend.org
27-29 Decatur, Alabama
24th Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. 50+ balloons.Invitational. Contact Decatur-Morgan Convention &Visitors Bureau 800-524-6181 or email: vmmorese@decaturcvb.org
27-29 El Paso, Texas
15th Annual KLAQ El Paso International Balloon Festival. 50 balloons. Includes balloon glow, and International flight from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso. Contact Joni Superville at 915-544-8864, fax 915-532-6342 or write KLAQ, 4150 Pinnacle #120, El Paso, TX 79902.
June
1-3 Helen, Georgia
27th Annual Helen-to-the-Atlantic Balloon Race. Race to the Atlantic plus Fiesta flying in Helen, Georgia. Contact Head Balloons, PO Box 28, Helen, GA 30545. 706-865-3874.
1-4 Kosice, Slovakia
7th International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta. Right after there will be Slovakia Balloon Tour 2000, held from 4th-8thof June 2000, flying in the most beautiful parts of Slovakia ist the way how to discover our wonderful country. First 2 overseas pilots w/balloons free. Contact Balloon Club of Kosice, Jacmenna 10, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia. Phone/fax ++42 19 57 48426, email: ads-ke@dodo.sk, Internet www.balloon.sk/
2-4 Grants Pass, Oregon
Fourth Annual Wild Rogue Balloon Festival. 25 Balloons. Contact GP Visitor Center, 1720A Redwood Ave. Suite 46, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527. 541 476-5510, e-mailto: rogue@is-plus.net
9-10 Milton, Delaware
11th Annual Delmarva Hot Air Balloon Festival and Craft Fair. 20 balloons. Contact Chuck Wagner, 424 Mulberry St, Milton, DE 19968, 302-684-2002, fax 302-684-1036, email: cwagner@dca.net
9-11 Danville, Illinois
14th Oldsmobile Balloon Classic Illinois. 100 balloons, $23,000 prize money. 2nd The Ladies Championship and 2nd Danville Doubles, a unique team concept. Contact Herb Schmidt, 1110 Wintergreen St., Batavia, IL 60510, 708-879-6733.
9-11 Katy, Texas
3rd Annual Katy Balloon Festival & Southwest Regional Championships. 50 balloons, contact Ernie Parker 281-373-5637.
9-11 Coshocton, Ohio
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. Contact Patty Cramer 740-622-2571.
9-11 Poughkeepsie, New York
9th Great Hudson Valley Balloon Race. 24 balloons, 5 flights. Contact Blue Sky Balloons, 99 Teller Ave, Beacon, NY 12508. 914-635-2561.
9-11 Temecula, California
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. 40+ balloons. Lake Skinner. Contact Carol Popejoy-Hime phone 909-676-6713, email: cman102445@aol.com
9-11 Cincinnati, Ohio
Blue Ash Airport Days Balloon Race. 25 balloons, hotel rooms, propane, key grab and prize money. Contact Dick Liming, Ad Ventures Aloft, 513-793-5656, email: rliming@aol.com
16-18 Tigard, Oregon
Tigard Festival of Balloons. Contact Bruce Ellis e-mailto: bellis@dpnicoli.com
16-18 Quechee, Vermont
21st Annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival and Crafts Fair. 20-25 balloons. Contact Bill Whidden 407-870-0031 or email: whid@gate.net
17 Homerville, Ohio
Wildwood Balloon Rally. Contact Bob Zanella 330-753-7752.
17-18 Glendo, Wyoming
The Cheyenne Hot Air Balloon Club is hosting it's annual "Weekend At Bernie's" balloon rally in conjunction with "Glendo Days" at Glendo, Wyoming. 20 balloons;Night Glow; Craft Fair;Street Dance; and Boating and Fishing at scenic Glendo Reservoir. Contact: Sue Finch, 922 E. 17th Street, Cheyenne, Wy 82001, Phone 307-635-1684. email: suefinch@wwdb.org
22-25 Boise, Idaho
10th annual Boise River Festival. Voted Best Event in 1999 by Balloon Life readers. Hot air balloons, family entertainment, parades. Contact Scott Spencer, 111 Broadway #133, Boise, ID 83702. 208-375-0512.
23-25 Monroe, Wisconsin
15th Monroe Balloon Rally. 30 balloons. US leg of HONDA Grand Prix. Contact Debbie Spaeth, TDS Aviaton Ltd., PO Box 674, West Bend, WI 53095, 414-338-2300, fax 414-338-1220, email: dasdeb@hnet.net
23-25 Meadville, Pennsylvania
Thurston Classic. 35 balloons. Contact Joyce Stevens, 916 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335, 814-336- 4000.
23-25 Goshen, Connecticut
7th Annual Northwest Connecticut Balloon Festival & Crafts Fair. 20+ balloons, Silas M. Brooks Memorial Cu, prize money. Contact Bill Colyer, 120 Flax Rd, Fairfield, CT 06430. 203-255-1929, Internet: www.nwballoonfest.com
23-25 London, Ontario
London Airshow & Balloon Festival held at London International Airport. Contact Sandra Wells, London Airshow & Balloon Festival, 48 Crampton Dr, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0, phone 519-473-6444 ext 34, email: sandra@sundanceballoons.com, Internet: www.londonairshow.com
23-25 Columbus, Ohio
1st Annual Big Bear Balloon Festival. 75+ balloons, $15,000 prize money & gifts, $ for banners. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, W Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464, Fax 973-882-7961, e-mail: balloonfestivals@prodigy.net
23-25 Warsaw, Indiana
City of Lakes Balloonfest, 15 Balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S. Country Club Road, Warsaw, IN 46580, 219-268-9241, email: hull.balloon@juno.com
23-25 Grove City, Ohio
1st Annual Big Bear Balloon Festival at Beulah Park. 75+ balloons. Pilot packs, propane, prize money, hotel rooms, banner fees & passengers galore. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave Ste 209, W. Caldwell, NJ 07006, phone 973-882-7932, fax 973-882-7961, email: balloonfestivals@prodigy.net
23 Turnersville, New Jersey
6th Annual Lions Club Flight for Sight. Contact Bob Freidel at 856-228-8626.
29-Jul 2 Marlborough, New Zealand
Marlborough 4 Fun. Balloon Festival in the biggest and best wine region of New Zealand. Contact Christine Brown. email: m4fun@voyager.co.nz Internet www.marlborough.net.nz/4fun/
30-Jul 2 Ashland, Ohio
Ashland BalloonFest 2000, 11th year, 30 balloons. Contact Denny Humrichouser 419-281-4584
30-Jul 2 Montrose, Colorado
17th Annual Lighter Than Air Balloon Affaire, 40 balloons. See Balloon Life article, NOV 98. Contact Ric Simon, PO Box 1726 Montrose, CO 81402.
July
1-9 Battle Creek, Michigan
Team balloon event & Air Show. 100+ balloons. Contact BCIBC, 3300 6th Ave, Ste B, Battle Creek, MI 49015 616-962-0592, email: bchabc@bcballoons.com.
1-9 Mildura, Victoria, Australia
Mildura International Balloon Fiesta. Contact Bill Smart, PO Box 3016, Mildura, Victoria, 3502, Australia. Phone 61-50-237-127 or fax 61-50-237-673.
3-4 Driggs, Idaho
19th Teton Valley, 30 balloons, travel money, hotel and fun. Tom Gough, 963 Elk River Way, Eagle, ID 83616. 208-939-8825, email: someday@micron.net
14-16 Jackson, Michigan
Hot Air Jubilee. 50 balloons. Contact Hot Air Jubilee, PO Box 1838, Jackson, MI 49204, 517-782-1515, Fax 517-782-5053, email: hotair.jubilee@acd.net, Internet: www.hotairjubilee.com
14-16 Longview, Texas
The Great Texas Balloon Race XXIII and Special Shape Championship. 80 balloons. $28,000 prize money, $50,000 key grab. Contact Elaine Reynolds, Longview Partnership, 410 N Center St., Longview, TX 75601, 903-237-4000.
14-16 Wellsville, New York
25th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Uncle Bruce wants YOU! Shaped balloons wanted for the 25th anniversary. Pilots call: 716-593-6257; email: bhand29238@aol.com.
14-16 Steamboat Springs, Colorado
20th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. 50 balloons. Contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, PO Box 774408, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, 970-879-0880.
20-22 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Firstar Balloon Classic. 60 balloons by invitation, $17,500 prize money. BFA & NABA sanctioned. All non-corporate balloons must be capable and agree to carry an envelope banner for $100 compensation. Contact David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-799-2323, email: dceastland@msn.com
20-23 Billings, Montana
Big Skyfest, 50 balloons, $20,000 prize money. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. Phone 904-247-1241 or fax 904-246-5646, e-mailto: balloonmeister@juno.com
21-23 Goshen, Indiana
12th Elkhart County Fair Balloon Chase. 30 balloons. Contact Gene Stutsman, Balloon Fantasy, 802 S. Ind. Ave., Goshen, IN 46536, (219) 534-2000.
21-23 Canton, Ohio
15th annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Balloon Classic 60 balloons, team competition, $13,000 prize money. Contact Joanne Murray, Festival Marketing Director, 229 Wells Ave NW, Canton, OH 44703. 330-456-7253
21-23 Waukesha, Wisconsin
Spring City Skyfest/Wisconsin State Championship, $3,000 prize money, Key Grab. Contact Ken Walter, Spring City Balloons, Fax 414-547-2490, email: WIHotAir@aol.com
21-23 Snohomish, Washington
Snohomish's Kla Ha Ya Days Festival's "Rally in the Valley." Show & glow money. Contact Jan Smith 360-671-5109
21-23 Kingston, Rhode Island
22nd Annual Wakefield Rotary Balloon Festival. 20 balloons. Contact Larry Fortin, 31 Fortin Rd, Kingston, RI 02881. Ph 401-783-9386
26-30 Frisian, The Netherlands
Frisian Balloonfiesta, largest Balloonfiesta in The Netherlands. 35 balloons. Contact Daan Elfring, De Ulekamp 91, 8501 NL Joure, The Netherlands, email: daanelfring@hetnet.nl, Internet: www.digiskar.nl/ballonfeesten
28-30 Albany, Oregon
18th Albany Great Balloon Escape. Contact Albany Visitors Association, PO Box 965, Albany, OR 97321. 1-800-526-2256.
28-30 Readington, New Jersey
18th Annual Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. 125+ balloons, $15,000 prize money & gifts, housing available, $ for banners. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, W Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464, Fax 973-882-7961, e-mailto: balloonfestivals@prodigy.net
28-Aug 5 Indianola, Iowa
US West National Balloon Classic/North Central Regional Championship. 100+ balloons. Contact National Balloon Classic, PO Box 346, Indianola, IA 50125, 800-FLY-IOWA, email: classicgk@aol.com
August
1-6 Canton, Mississippi
North America Balloon Association Nationals/2000. Contact Robin Ingram, 915 Fairfax Cir, Jackson, MS 39211. 601-978-1836. e-mailto: blnchsr@gateway.net
3-6 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
23rd Annual Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta. 25 balloons in one of America's largest land, sea, air event. Contact Kevin Poeppelman, 26809 Haines Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871, 301-881-6262.
3-7 London, Ontario
17th London Balloon Festival. 20 balloons. Fun flying, launch from downtown park, 100,000+ spectators. Contact Karen Rosenthal, PO Box 69, New Dundee, Ontario NO8 2EO, Phone 519-696-2088 FAX 519-696-2414.
3-6 Binghamton, New York
16th Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Expo. 40 balloons. Contact Dave Pessalro, PO Box 275 WVS, Binghamton, NY 13905, phone 607-761-2475, email: sags13@prodigy.net
3-13 Junglinster, Luxembourg
12th European Hot Air Balloon Championship, 120+ balloons. Contact Commune Aerostatique, du Grand-Duche de Luxembourg, B.P. w, L-6101 Junglinster, Phone +352-78-90-75-23, Fax +352-78-90-75-46, email: contact@balloon.lu, Internet: www.balloon.lu
4-6 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gatesway Int'l Balloon Festival; Oklahoma Hot Air Balloon Champioship; 75 balloons, $5,000 prize money. Contact Phillip Thompson, 5123 W 85th St S, Tulsa, OK 74131, 918-227-1399, email: phillipt@flash.net
4-6 Ferndale, Washington
2000 Whatcom County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Contact Scott Shields, 1416 Greenville Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226. 360-671-5109
4-6 Albion, New York
The Great Orleans Unique Flying Machine Expo and Hot Air Balloon Family Fest. Held at the Pinehill Airport. Contact Vintage Aircraft Group, 4906 Pine Hill Rd, Albion, NY 14411, phone 716-682-3279, email: vintage26@aol.com
4-13 Rantoul, Illinois
CANCELED - U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship. Overall, Women and Sport Divisions. 75 competion, 40 sport balloons. Contact Dave Reineke phone 217-378-7454, email: balloondave@hotmail.com or Balloon Federation of America, PO Box 400, Indianola, IA 50125, 515-961-8809.
10-13 Muncie, Indiana
Summer Heat Balloon Championship, 35 balloons. Compete for a $6,000 prize purse, key grab worth $20,000. Contact Michelle McAllister, 425 N High St, Muncie, IN 47305. 800-369-2740. email: mmcallister@muncieintourism.org
11-13 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Southwest Bell Balloonfest 2000, 50 balloons. Plus Special Shapes. Funds to: Oklahoma City Food Bank, contact Lynn Harris, 8604 Rayburn, OKC, OK 73149. 405-631-0117 (h), email lynnharris@worldnet.att.net
11-13 Medford, Oregon
2000 Rogue Valley Balloon Rally. 25 balloons. Contact Rex Johnson, RVBR, PO Box 4704, Meford, OR 97501, 542-664-2171.
12-20 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
17th M. Christie Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival.125 montgolfières. Contact Martin Baccichet, 4 chemin de l'Aéroport, St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, J3B 7B5 (450) 346-6000, fax (450) 346-6148. email: festival@montgolfieres.com. Internet: www.montgolfieres.com
18-20 Centralia, Illinois
11th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest 99. 45 balloons, $15,000 prize money. Contact Balloonmeister Bob Corey, 610 S Beckley Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40233, 502-245-0955
18-20 Shirley, New York
3rd Waldbaum's Balloon Festival at Brookhaven Airport. 75+ balloons, $10,000 prize money & gifts, housing available, $ for banners. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464 or fax 973-882-7961, e-mailto: balloonfestivals@prodigy.net
18-20 Greenville, New York
2nd Great Northrn Catskills Balloon Festival. 20 balloons, 5 flights. Contact Blue Sky Balloons, 99 Teller Ave, Beacon, NY 12508. 914-635-2461.
25-27 Lincoln, Illinois
12th Annual Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival. 48 balloons. Contact Bobbi Abbott, Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, 303 S. Kickapoo St., Lincoln, IL 62656-2814, (217) 735-2385.
25-27 Houston, Texas
Ballunar Liftoff Festival @ NASA/Johnson Space Center, 100 balloons. Contact Steven Lombardi, 1201 NASA Rd 1, Houston, TX 77058. (713) 774-2359. e-mail: TXHotAir1@aol.com, Internet: www.ballunarfestival.com/
25-27 Eden, Utah
Balloon Fest. Contact Eden Park Service District, PO Box 961, Eden, UT 84310, phone 801-745-3080, email: eden_park_dist@hotmail.com
25-27 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland State Fair Balloon Classic, 30 balloons in glows & hare/hound. Contact Kevin Poeppelman, 26809 Haines Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871, 301-881-6262.
25-27 Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, 30 balloons. Contact Debby Pfauntsch, 5313 E Best Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118, 303-660-8025, email debp@flash.net Internet: www.rockymountainballoonfestival.com
25-27 Findlay, Ohio
Flag City Balloon Fest Invitational, 25 Balloons, NABA Competition, approx. $5000+ prize money. Contact: Phil Clinger 616-962-7009, email: AEndeavors@aol.com or Dan Clinger, 419-424-9790, email: rcma@bright.net
September
1-4 Gatineau, Quebec
13th Gatineau Hot Air Ballon Festival. 150 balloons, Contact Jean Boileau, Director General 144, boulevard de l'Hopital, Gatineau, Quebec J8T 7S7, (819) 243-2331, or fax (819) 233-2338. e-mail: comm@ville.gatineau.qc.ca
1-3 Pine Mountain, Georgia
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens. 40 balloon with a glow, competition, prizes, food, skyjumpers, entertainment, antique cars, and more. Contact Lynda Dawson, PO Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, 706-663-5011, email: ltdawson@callawaygardens.com
1-4 Dansville, New York
New York State Festival of Balloons. Dansville Municipal Airport, 50 balloons. Contact John Jacobs 716-335-2977, email: jjacobs@servtech.com, Internet: www.nysfob.com
1-10 Warstein, Germany
10th Warsteiner International Montgolfiade. 100+ balloons. Gas event, special shape balloon event, fiesta flying. Contact Warsteiner International Montgolfiade, D-59564 Warstein, Germany, Phone +49-2902-88-1388, fax +49-2902-88-4040, email: montgolfiade@warsteiner.com, Internet: www.warsteiner.com/sports_index.html
2-4 Colorado Springs, Colorado
24th Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic with 115 balloons. Contact Patsy Buchwald, 328 Bonfoy Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. 719-471-4833, email: balloon@pcisys.net
2-4 Plymouth, Indiana
Marshall County Hot Air Affair, 20 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S Country Club Rd, Warsaw, IN 46580 219-268-9241, email: hull.balloon@juno.com
8-10 Reno, Nevada
19th Annual Great Reno Balloon Race. 120 balloons, $20,000 prize money. Contact Marlene Olsen, GRBR, PO Box 12695, Reno, NV 89510, 775-826-1181. www.renoballoon.com
8-10 Rockford, Illinois
20th Rocvale Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Robert Cook, Rocvale Children's Home, 4450 N. Rockton Rd., Rockford, IL 61103, 815-654-3050.
8-10 Effingham, Illinois
5th Annual Effingham/Fifth Third Balloon Classic. Competition and fiesta flying. Contact Mike Thomas, 1400 W Niccum Ave, Effingham, IL 62401. 217-347-2901
8-10 Valparaiso, Indiana
10th Annual Kiwanis Club Popcorn Balloonfest. 30 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S. Country Club Road, Warsaw, IN 46580, 219-268-9241, email: hull.balloon@juno.com
15-17 Statesville, North Carolina
27th National Balloon Rally, 50 balloons, contact Sam Parks 704-873-0080.
15-17 Victorville, California
3rd annual High Desert Balloon Festival, 40 Balloons Mojave Narrows Regional Park Victorville,CA. Non-competitive, show money, prize money, food, lodging, propane. Special shapes requested. Contact Dean Davey, Balloonmeister, 17096 Sequoia Street, Suite F-1, Hesperia, CA 92345. phone 760-955-5549, 760-948-2098, E-mail: megatech@mail.com
16-17 Alamogordo, New Mexico
9th Annual White Sands Balloon Invitational, 70 balloons. Contact Terry Drake, PO Box 400, High Rolls, NM 88325 or email drake@lookingglass.net
21-24 Glens Falls, New York
28th Annual Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival. 100+ balloons, night glow by Lake George. Contact 518-761-6366 or 800-365-1050, Internet: http://www.adirondackballoonfest.org/
22-24 Augusta, Georgia
9th Annual Boshears Memorial Fly-In. 30 balloons. Pilot rooms, propane, showup money. Contact Richard Ret, 4204 Knoll Crest Cir, Martinez, GA 30907, 800-755-3632, email: richardret@realtor.com
22-24 Montague, California
Montague Rotary Balloon Faire, 30+ balloons. Fly with 14,161 ft. Mt. Shasta as a back-drop. Fun competition, parade, barbeque, Sat. night glow. Looking for special shapes. Contact Don Humphries, Montague Rotary Balloon Faire Committee, PO Box 618, Montague, CA 96064, phone 530-459-1567, email: info@montague-balloon-fair.com, Internet: www.montague-balloon-fair.com
22-24 Plano, Texas
21st Annual Plano Balloon Festival, Invitational, 90 balloons, Arts & Crafts fair, special shapes. Contact Larry Long, Plano Balloon Festival, 1507 Yorkshire Dr, Richardson, TX 75082. 972-234-2023.
23-24 Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
Limited to 20 balloons. Special shapes welcome. Travel money, hotel, propane, and lots of fun. Contact Dick Atkins 307-638-8017
29-30 Louisville, Kentucky
2nd Annual Adam Matthews Cheesecake Balloon Festival held at Bowman Field, "America's oldest continually operating airport." 100 balloons, 50,000 spectators. Benefit for the Dream Factory, an organization granting wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. For more information contact: Clare Vize at Adam Matthews, Inc. 502-499-2253, Internet: www.balloonglow.com, email: adambakes@ntr.net
October
7-15 Albuquerque, New Mexico
29th Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 850 balloons. Contact AIBF, 8309 Washington Place N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: www.aibf.org/
20-22 Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas Balloon Classic. Silverbowl Park, Invitational. Contact Betty McCreless, 702-452-8066 or email: mccreless@aol.com
20-22 Natchez, Mississippi
15th Annual Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. Balloon Glow. Music Festival, Fireworks, and more Contact Laura Godfrey, PO Box 1775, Natchez, MS 39121. Internet: www.natchezms.com/balloonrace
21-22 Winchester, Virginia
Winchester Hot Air Balloon Festival. 30 balloons. Contact Marsha Neal, 399 W Page Hager Rd, Cleveland, SC 27013. 704-872-7761, email: marshneal@aol.com
November
3-5 Scottsdale, Arizona
26th Annual Metris Thunderbird Balloon Classic 2000. 130 balloons, including 30 special shapes. Glows, Hare & Hound competitions, prizes. Food, arts & crafts, children's area, skyjumpers, music, fireworks, entertainment. Contact Thunderbird Balloon Race Office, 15249 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85306 602-978-7330. Internet: www.t-birdballoonclassic.com/
23 Danville, Illinois
4th Annual Les Nesman Memorial Turkey Drop and BFA Open Sanction race. Contact Hank Norris 217-443-3444 or mailto: hnorris@net66.com
28-December 6 Rajasthan, India
First time balloon flying over forts, bird sanctuary. Free stay, food, transportation, gas and lots of fun. Bring your balloon and enjoy the week long festival. Early entries required for the clearance from the Ministry as mandatory requisite. Closing dates for entry July 31, 2000. Contact Rajan Ramrakhiani, Ligther Than Air, D-11, Nehru Enclave, Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019, India. email: lighterthanair@bol.net.in
December
1-3 Gallup, New Mexico
21st Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally, 185+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305.
1-3 Battle Creek, Michigan
Holiday Balloon Fest. Contact Derrick Jones, 25 W Michigan Ave Ste 1408, Battle Creek, MI 49017. 616-209-1792, email: Djkool00@aol.com