2000 Balloon Life Calendar of Events
Have a balloon event you would like to list in the Balloon Life calendar? It's free, just e-mail the details to tom@balloonlife.com
January
13-14 Mesilla Valley, New Mexico
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. 75 balloons. Contact Janette Stone, 5109 Hacienda, Las Cruces, NM 88011, phone 505-382-5465, email: stonej@zianet.com
27-28 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
February
February 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
2-4 Hudson, Wisconsin
12th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair balloon rally and winter festival. 50 balloons. Hudson Hot Air Affair, PO Box 744, Hudson, WI 54016. Phone 800-657-6775, e-mail hotair@pressenter.com, Internet: www.hudsonhotairaffair.com
3 Plano, Texas
Safety Seminar - Back to Basics, Mike Rose email: balloon@flash.net
8-11 Pampanga, Philippines
7th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta scheduled on February 8-11, 2001 at Clark Field in Pampanga, Philippines. Next years Fiesta will give us a new adventure, a chance to meet new friends with common interests from around the world, and spend an exciting weekend in the Philippines. During the weekend, various aviation activities will be held at the same location. The Philippine Air Force Aerobatic Team will have an aerobatic show. International airplane pilots will participate in an Airplane Rally, Spot Landing contest and balloon (Toy Balloon NOT Hot Air Balloon!) Bursting competition. Ultralight/Homebuilt aircrafts will have fun flying competition. Parachute jumping, aeromodelling competition and even Kite Flying activities will be on going during the day. Contact: 7th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Secretariat Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines, Air Ads Aviation Center, Domestic Airport, Pasay City, Philippines 1300, Tel no. (63-2) 833 3264 / 551 2780, Fax no. (63-2) 831 4939, e-mail airads@evoserve.com, or joyroa@flyaai.com
9-11 Charlotte, North Carolina
Carolina's Balloon Association Safety Seminar. Contact Ken Draughn 336-227-5414, email: kendraughn@aol.com
10-11 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Friends and Lovers Rally, Invitational 135+ balloons. Contact Carol Bair, 8801 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, (505) 296-3505
16-19 Los Angeles, California
Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar at Sea II. Relax aboard Royal Caribbean's Cruise Lines Viking Serenade departing from Los Angeles. Back to Basics and Enrichment conducted by Dave & Kim Lynch, featuring Don Piccard & Sid Cutter. Contact Mary Kay Davis, Cruise Holidays, 4825 W Flamingo Rd #10, Las Vegas, NV 89103 or call 702-871-7447 or Lewin M. Williams, Sr, email: lewin_williams@msn.com
17 St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Aerostatic Association Safety Seminar and trade show. Contact Mike Wadley 636-441-3481, email: seminar@gaa.cc
24-25 Puyallup, Washington
Safety Seminar. Back to Basics and Enrichment. Contact: Dawne Smith email: fired.up@worldnet.att.net
24-25 Chama, New Mexico
Chama Snowmobile/Balloon Rally. 28 balloons invitational. Contact Robin Busick 505-883-5874.
March
2-4 Winthrop, Washington
BalloonFest 2001. Fun flying in the snow. One of the largest cross-country ski areas in the country. Contact Vern Herrst in Winthrop WA at 509-996-3210.
3 Millersville, Pennsylvania
John Wise Balloon Society Safety Seminar. Millersville University-McComsey Hall. Email Sherry Willauer swpa@lancnews.infi.net
3-4 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado LTA Safety Seminar 2001. Same program boths day, come one or the other. CPR in addition to balloon topics. Contact Stephen Blucher at sblucher@juno.com
17-18 Las Lunas, New Mexico
17th annual St Patrick's Day Rally. 100 balloons. Contact Jamie Jameson 505-865-3921
21 Indianapolis, Indiana
Montgolfier Society of Indiana one day Safety Seminar. Contact Nick Hoffbauer, 2111 East 136th St, Carmel, IN 46032. 317-844-3718, or email: ruthie@intheair-online.com
23-24 Macon, Georgia
19th Annual Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Presents the Sprint PCS 2001 Cherry Blossom Festival BalloonFest. 35 balloons Contact Jade Helm, Cherry Blossom Festival, 794 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201, 478-751-7429. e-mailto: cbf@cherryblossom.com
23-25 Akron, Ohio
Balloonowledge '01 Safety Seminar and Trade Fair. Contact Penny Suttle, 480 S Bodmer, Strasburg, OH 44680-1216, 330-878-7201, e-mail: dct@wilkshire.net
31-Apr 1 Merced, California
Safety Seminar. Contact Jeanne Anson lta2sum@garlic.com
April
4-8 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons over Waikato Festival 2001. New Zealand's premier ballooning event. Excellent flying conditions, high quality propane, based at central city park and lake, spectacular flying over beautiful surrounding farmland, enthusiastic and hospitable local community, competitions include major key grab prize. See Balloon Life June 2000. Contact Linda Kelly, Event Manager, Balloons over Waikato Charitable Trust, PO Box 66 Hamilton, New Zealand. PH +64 78396677 FAX +64 7826 7736 Email: info@balloonz.co.nz Website: www.balloonz.co.nz
6-8 Atlanta, Georgia
65th 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
6-8 Sebring, Florida
CANCELED - Third Annual Florida Citrus Balloon Festival, 50 balloons, $12,500 prize money. Room, propane, pilot packs, BFA sanctioned. 2 sponsor passengers, basket banner, private entry $50, commercial entry $800. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, (904) 247-1241, Fax 904-246-5646, e-mail balloonmeister@juno.com
20-22 Canowindra, Australia
Marti's Canowindra Balloon Fiesta. Contact Phone (02-62442422) Fax (02-62442422) PO Box 89, Canowindra, 2804 N.S.W., Australia. Email: martisfiesta@canowindra.org
21-22 Elephant Butte, New Mexico
Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. 70 balloons. Contact Elephant Butte CofC, POB 1355, Elephant Butte, NM 87935. 877-744-4900.
May
4-6 Live Oak, Florida
6th Spirit of the Suwannee Balloon Classic. 20 balloons, $3,000 prize money, motel, parties, propane, BFA sanctioned, Private Entry $50, commercial Entry $800. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonvile Beach, Florida 32240, 904-247-1241, fax 904-246-5646, e-mail balloonmeister@juno.com
11-13 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 30 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, POB 3, Manchaca, TX 78652, 512-280-2558, e-mail: aeronaut@msn.com
11-13 Walla Walla, Washington
27th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. Contact the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 644, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-525-0850.
11-20 Riga, Latvia
Festival of Ballooning & Baltic Cup 2001. Contact Gunars Dukste, PO Box 1431, Riga, LV-1050, Latvia. Ph +371-761-1614 Fx +371-786-0206. email: arta@altius.lv Internet: www.altius.lv
11-13 Miami, Florida
18th Great Sunrise Balloon Race. Contact Rick Neubaur, 372 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206, 303-333-7474.
18-20 Post Mills, Vermont
8th 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
18-20 El Dorado Hills, California
BalloonFest 2001 at Serrano. 50 balloons including special shapes. Fun flights over the Sierra foothills and evening glow. No competition, get paid to play. Commercial pilots only. Gary Rominger, Balloonmeister. Contact BalloonFest200@aol.com or telephone (916) 381-8339.
19-20 Madras, Oregon
8th Collage of Culture celebrates cultural diversity. 25 balloons, light hearted flying. Contact Derek Hancock 503-638-3254, e-mail: derekhancock@juno.com
25-28 Anderson, South Carolina
20th 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. email: fwastaff@aol.com Internet: www.freedomwkend.org
25-27 Canandaigua, New York
6th Mercy Flight Balloon Festival. 30 balloons, 5 flights. Contact: Bill Hand, 131 Wildherd Dr., Henrietta, NY 14467. 716-334-5144, email: blueskyballoons@att.net
25-28 Decatur, Alabama
25th Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. 60 balloonsin fun, light competition, with prizes, money and key grab. Contact Irene Taylor, 27916 Kim Dr, Harvest, AL 35749. 256-230-0887 (please leave message) email: tranquilflight@earthlink.net
25-27 Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington Balloon Festival. 40 balloons. Contact Debbie Dusenbery, Convention & Visitor's Bureau, 3041 E Main Farmington, NM 87402, 505-326-7602
26-28 El Paso, Texas
16th Annual KLAQ El Paso International Balloon Festival. 50 balloons. Includes balloon glow, and 15th Friendship 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.
31-Jun 3 Grants Pass, Oregon
Fifth Annual Wild Rogue Balloon Festival. 25 Balloons. Contact GP Visitor Center, 1720A Redwood Ave. PMB 46, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527. 541 660-0017, e-mail: rogue@is-plus.net
June
1-3 New Haven, Vermont
11th Annual Lake Champlain Balloon Festival returns to a new home in beautiful rolling countryside. 35 balloons by invitation. Corporate and Shapes encouraged to inquire. Rick Pollack, P.O. Box 115, Charlotte, VT 05445 802-425-4883 lcbf@together.net , www.vermontballoonfest.com
1-3 Telluride, Colorado
Telluride Balloon Rally, Invitational. Contact Telluride Vistior Services, 888-605-2578 or email: info.tmvs@visit-telluride.org
1-3 Durant, Oklahoma
5th Annual Durant Magnolia Balloon Festival, 25 balloons, arts & crafts, food, children's area, live entertainment, carnival. Frank or Cheri Capps, PO Box 187, Jenks, OK 74037, 918-299-2979, FAX 918-298-4681, Email AeroCC@aol.com
8-10 Temecula, California
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. 35+ balloons. Lake Skinner. Contact Carol Popejoy-Hime phone 909-676-6713, email: tvballoonandwine@aol.com
8-10 Danville, Illinois
15th Oldsmobile Balloon Classic Illinois. 80+ balloons, First prize new AX-7 balloon, other prizes through 32nd place. 10+ gas balloons, part of a National Gas Balloon Championship series. Contact Herb Schmidt, 1110 Wintergreen St., Batavia, IL 60510, 708-879-6733.
8-10 Minden, Nevada
2nd annual Hot Air Balloon race during the Carson Valley Days Celebration, 50 balloons. Contact Gary Peterson, Balloonmeister 775-782-7987, email: garyp@nanosecond.com
8-10 Katy, Texas
4th Annual Katy Balloon Festival & BFA Southwest Regional Championships. 50 balloons, contact Texas Balloon Classic, 15706 Juniper Hollow Way, Cypress, TX 77429, ph: 713-622-9074, email: phillip_m_bryant@msn.com
15-16 Milton, Delware
12th Annual Delmarva Hot Air Balloon Festival and Craft Fair. 20 balloons. Supports Sugar Free Kids diabetes camp and the Milton Theater Renovation Project. Contact Chuck Wagner, 424 Mulberry St, Milton, DE 19968, 302-684-3400, fax 302-684-1036, email: libduff@aol.com, Internet www.della-bear.com
15-17 Tigard, Oregon
Tigard Festival of Balloons. Contact Bruce Ellis 503-590-4849, e-mail: bellis@dpnicoli.com
15-17 Quechee, Vermont
22nd annual Hot Air Balloon Festival and Craft Fair. 25 balloons, paying passengers, motel and propane. Paid Glow, beautiful flying area and good spectator attendence in unique setting, quality crafts, entertainment. contact Bill Whidden 407-870-0031 or email at whid@gate.net
15-17 Gasburg, Virginia
Lake Gaston Resort Balloon Classic, 30 balloons, $12,000 prize money, $50 private, $800 corporate, pilot packs, propane, motel, passengers, parties. BFA Sanctioned. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, 904-247-1241, Fax (904) 246-5646, or e-mail, balloonmeister@juno.com
19-24 Boise, Idaho
11th 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. email: tigerpilot@earthlink.net
22-24 Goshen, Connecticut
7th Annual Northwest Connecticut Balloon Festival & Crafts Fair. 20+ balloons, Silas M. Brooks Memorial Cup. Contact Into The Wind, Inc.68-A East Main St, Torrington, CT 06790 or 860-496 - 5000. E-mail: staff@nwballoonfest.com, Internet: www.nwballoonfest.com
22-24 Grove City, Ohio
2nd 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 973-882-9732, email: mpolicastro@rcn.com, Internet: www.balloonfestival.com
22-24 London, Ontario, Canada
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 234, email: sandra@londonairshow.com, Internet: www.londonairshow.com
30-Jul 4 Lisle, Illinois
21st Eyes to the Sky Balloon Fest. 25 balloons. 9.5 million people Chicago media market. Contact: Jack & Saralyn Follis, 2116 Westview Drive, Springfield, IL 62704. Phone: 217-787-4236, Fax: 559-851-8761, e-Mail: pibal@attglobal.net
July
1 North Yorksire, United Kingdom
Wykeham Estate Ballon Festival & Parade. North Yorkshire. UK. Telephone: Heather Archer 011-44-1723 864505 Fax: 011-44-1723 864574, or email: heather.archer@lineone.net more details
3-5 Lexington, Virginia
5th annual Lexington Sunrise Balloon Festival. In Historic (for Southerners) civil war area. Launch from the parade grounds of Virginia Military Academy, ice cream social, paying passengers, tether passengers, motel and propane with good ole southern hospitality.. Contact Bill Whidden 407-870-0031 or email at whid@gate.net
4 Driggs, Idaho
20th 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
6-8 Montrose, Colorado
18th Annual Lighter-than-Air Balloon Affaire.40 balloons, Coincides with the Montrose Great American Summer Salute. For more information contact Reed Irwin irwin@rmi.net or Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net phone Montrose Events, Inc. 970-249-5000.
7-8 Goldendale, Washington
Goldendale Invitational Rally. Contact Colin Bennett 509-773-5065
13-15 Jackson, Michigan
19th Hot Air Jubilee. 50-60 balloons. $10,000 prizes. 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
13-15 Longview, Texas
The Great Texas Balloon Race XXIV 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.
13-15 Steamboat Springs, Colorado
21st Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo. 50 balloons. Contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, PO Box 774408, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477, 970-879-0880.
19-21 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Firstar/Rafferty's Balloon Classic. 60 balloons by invitation, $17,500 prize money. 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
20-22 Harborcreek, Pennsylvania
Harborfest. 15 balloons, midway, motel, prizes, food & propane. Pilots contact Sean Quigley, 716-493-3340 or email letchballoons@wycol.com Vendors: Harborcreek Area Chamber of Commerce, 814-899-9173
20-22 Billings, Montana
7th Annual Big Skyfest, 50 balloons, $20,000 prize money, BFA sanctioned, parties, banners, passengers, propane, $50 private entry, $800 corporate entry, contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, or call 904-247-1241, fax 904-246-5646, email balloonmeister@juno.com
20-22 Kingsport, Tennessee
Fun Fest Balloon Rally. 20th year, fun rally, with show-up fee, free propane, great Pilot Packs, host families/other lodging. 20 balloons, fireworks, concerts, jascott1@prodigy.net or www.funfest.net.
20-22 Battle Ground, Washington
Battle Ground Balloon Gala. Contact Ted Wirch 360-687-6108
20-22 Wellsville, New York
26th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Bruce Hand 716-593-6257; email: bhand29238@aol.com. Internet: www.welsvilleballoonrally.com
27-29 Readington, New Jersey
19th Annual Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. 125+ 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, email mpolicastro@rcn.com
27-29 Canton, Ohio
16th 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
27-29 Kingston, Rhode Island
23rd Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival. 20 balloons. Contact Larry Fortin, 31 Fortin Rd, Kingston, RI 02881. Ph 401-783-9386, email: kbc31@juno.com
27-Aug 5 Lorraine, France
Lorraine 2001, 7th Biennale Mondiale de l'Aerostation. Up to 1,000 balloons. Contact Pilatre de Rozier, 6, Place du Temple-B.P. 18, F57530-Courcelles Chaussy, France Phone (33) 387 64 08 08, Fax (33) 387 64 15 84. email: pilatre@pilatre-de-rozier.com, Internet: www.pilatre-de-rozier.com
August
2-6 London, Ontario, Canada
18th London Balloon Festival. 22 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, email: balloon_festival_london@hotmail.com
3-5 Cody, Wyoming
Wild West Balloon Fest, contact Greg Szymanski, 12378 Ceaderwood Dr, Boise ID 83709. 208-323-7278 or email: SZYMANSKIGREG@aol.com
3-5 Seymour, Wisconsin
Home of the Hamburger - in conjunction with it's Guinness Book of Records attempt for the Largest Hamburger is holding a Balloon Rally. 30+ balloons, show money, motel, propane, meals, gift pack. One sponsor passenger, banner on basket. Looking for all available balloons including special shapes to take part in this event. Contact Michele at pmichele461@yahoo.com or Tom at bumsinflt@aol.com or leave message at 920-993-6985.
3-11 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
10-11 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Southwest Bell Balloonfest 2001, 65 balloons, $10,000 prize money + pole grab. Plus Special Shapes. Funds to: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, contact Frank & Cheri Capps, POB 14818, Oklahoma City, OK 73113, www.balloonfest.com
10-12 Medford, Oregon
2001 Rogue Valley Balloon Rally. 25 balloons. Contact Rex Johnson, RVBR, PO Box 4704, Meford, OR 97501, 542-664-2171.
11-19 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
18th M. Christie Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival.125 montgolfières. Contact Daniel Bissonnette, 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
16-19 Albany, Oregon
19th Albany Great Balloon Escape. Contact Albany Visitors Association, PO Box 965, Albany, OR 97321. 1-800-526-2256, email: info@albanyvisitors.com
17-19 Marysville, Ohio
All Ohio Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Jack Scott, PO Box 24, 129 North Main St., Marysville, OH 43040. 937-644-8307.
17-19 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
17-19 Shirley, New York
3rd Waldbaum's Balloon & Music Festival. 75+ balloons, $10,000 prize money & gifts, $ for banners. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464 or fax 973-882-7961, email: mpolicastro@rcn.com
17-19 Greenville, New York
3rd Great Northern Catskills Balloon Festival presented by the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, 25 balloons featuring Liberty Head, live entertainment, 50 artisams, air show and more. Contact Greenville Area CoC, POB 385, Greenville, NY 12083, 518-966-5050.
17-19 Tahlequah, Oklahoma
8th Annual Illinois River BalloonFest, 35 balloons, arts & crafts, live entertainment, children's area, Frank or Cheri Capps, PO Box 187, Jenks, OK 74037, 918-299-2979, FAX 918-298-4681, Email AeroCC@aol.com
22-24 Clinton, Iowa
Balloons in June, Balloon glows and mass ascensions, 20 balloons, Other community events. Contact Paul Schneider, 319-242-9174
24-26 Columbia, Missouri
Balloon Classic, 35 balloons, Contact Classic Balloon Events, 5212 N Oakland Gravel Rd, Columbia, MO 65202. 573-474-9360.
24-26 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.
24-26 Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, 60 balloons. Contact Debby Pfauntsch, 5313 E Best Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118, 303-660-8025, email debby@rockymountainballoonfestival.com, Internet: www.rockymountainballoonfestival.com
24-26 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 Internet: www.FlagCityBalloonFest.com
31-Sep 3 Dansville, New York
New York State Festival of Balloons. Dansville Municipal Airport, 60 balloons. Contact John Jacobs 716-335-8885, email: jjacobs@qbug.com, Internet: www.nysfob.com
31-Sep 3 Gatineau, Quebec
14th Gatineau hot air balloon festival. 150 balloons. Contact Jean Boileau, Director general, 144 boulevard de l'hopital, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, J8T-7S7, 819-243-2331 or fax 819-243-2338, email: comm@ville.gatineau.qc.ca, Internet: www.ville.gatineau.qc.ca
31-Sep 2 Pine Mountain, Georgia
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens. 40 balloons with a glow, competition, prizes, food, entertainment, antique cars, and more. Contact Lynda Dawson, PO Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, 706-663-5011, email: ldawson@callawaygardens.com
September
1-3 Colorado Springs, Colorado
25th Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic with 115 balloons. Contact Patsy Buchwald, 328 Bonfoy Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. 719-471-4833, email: balloon@balloonclassic.com
1-3 Plymouth, Indiana
Marshall County Hot Air Affair, 20 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 3030 SW 28th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33914, 941-945-5559, email: hull.balloon@juno.com
7-9 Reno, Nevada
20th 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
7-9 Valparaiso, Indiana
11th Annual Kiwanis Club Popcorn Balloonfest. 30 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 3030 SW 28th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33914, 941-945-5559, email: hull.balloon@juno.com
14-16 Faribault, Minnesota
Faribault Area Balloon Rally & Airfest. The Balloon Rally features Hot Air Balloons, antique aircraft displays, glider demonstrations, ultra-lights, and a unique night-glow extravaganza, featuring inflated hot air balloons, lighting up the evening sky. All events take place at the Faribault Municipal Airport. For more information contact CoC 800-658-2354 or Internet: www.1rl.com/balloonrally/
14-16 Ravenna, Ohio
23rd Ravenna Balloon A-Fair. 22 plus balloons, parade, craft & food booths. Contact Balloon A-Fair, Box 454, Ravennna, OH 44266. Phone 330-296-FAIR.
21-23 Augusta, Georgia
10th Annual Boshears Memorial Fly-In. 30 balloons. Pilot rooms, propane, showup money. Contact Richard Ret, 4204 Knoll Crest Cir, Martinez, GA 30907, 706-650-3006, email: richardret@realtor.com
21-23 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-faire.com, Internet: www.montague-balloon-fair.com
21-22 Louisville, Kentucky
3rd Annual Adam Matthews Cheesecake Balloon Festival held at Bowman Field, "America's oldest continually operating airport." Kentucky's largest balloon event, 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: cvize@adammatthews.com
21-23 Cleveland, Oklahoma
Cleveland Pioneer Days, 25 balloons, Turn-of-the-Century theme, antique cars, tractors, farming, arts & crafts, live entertainment, Frank or Cheri Capps, PO Box 187, Jenks, OK 74037, 918-299-2979, FAX 918-298-4681, Email AeroCC@aol.com
21-23 Plano, Texas
22nd Annual Plano Balloon Festival, Invitational, 100 balloons, Arts & Crafts fair, special shapes. Contact Larry Long, Plano Balloon Festival, 1507 Yorkshire Dr, Richardson, TX 75082. 972-234-2023, email: planopilots@aol.com
28-30 Grove, Oklahoma
18th Annual Grand Lake Pelican Festival, 25 balloons, arts & crafts, live entertainment, Frank or Cheri Capps, PO Box 187, Jenks, OK 74037, 918-299-2979, FAX 918-298-4681, Email AeroCC@aol.com
October
6-14 Albuquerque, New Mexico
30th Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 750 balloons. Contact AIBF, 8309 Washington Place N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: www.aibf.org
27-Nov 5 Tunisia
Montgolfiades Internationales de Tunisie. This trip from the north to the south will take us at the very bottom of the desert to Ksar Ghislane and with the forseen camp night and the programed balloon flights over the Grand Erg dunes. For more information contact Yves Legrand email: Yves.Legrand@Free.fr or Internet: www.air-ballon.com/versiongb/tunisia.htm
November
2-4 Scottsdale, Arizona
27th Annual Metris Thunderbird Balloon Classic 2000. 130 balloons, including Special shapes. Glows. Food, arts & crafts, children's area, skyjumpers, music, fireworks, entertainment. Contact Thunderbird Balloon Classic Office, 15249 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85306 602-978-7330. Internet: www.t-birdballoonclassic.com/
13-23 Marrakech, Morroco
Departure from France via ferry. Flights in and around Marrakech, Ouarzazate and Zagora. For more information contact Yves Legrand email: Yves.Legrand@Free.fr, Internet: www.air-ballon.com/versiongb/morocco.htm
22-25 Montrose, Colorado
9th Black Canyon Balloon Classic, 20 balloons. For more information contact Reed Irwin irwin@rmi.net or Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net phone Montrose Events, Inc. 970-249-5000.
December
1-2 Carlsbad, New Mexico
7th annual Holiday Balloonists Against Drunk Driving (BADD) Rally and Candle light Vigil Hosted by Eddy County Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 30 Balloons. Contact: Bob Walker, 1025 N Halagueno, Carlsbad, NM 88220, 505-887-0775
1-2 Gallup, New Mexico
22nd Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally. 185+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305.