2002 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
11-25 Filzmoos, Austria
International Hot Air Ballooning Week. Internet: Balloon Festival
18-19 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
18-26 Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland
Daily balloon launches at the world's premier Mountain Hot-Air Ballooning event with more than 80 balloons. Internet: Balloon Week Festival
31-Feb 2 Durango, Colorado
SnowDown Balloon Rally, Invitational, 25 balloons. Contact Beth LaShell, 147 LaPlata View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, phone 970-247-7189, email: blashell@compuserve.com
February
7-9 Hudson, Wisconsin
14th annual Hudson Hot Air Affair balloon rally and winter festival. 50 balloons. Hudson Hot Air Affair, PO Box 744, Hudson, WI 54016. Phone 888-247-2332, e-mail jenerbon@pressenter.com, Internet: www.hudsonhotairaffair.com
15-16 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Friends and Lovers Rally, Invitational 135+ balloons. Contact Barbara Fricke, 1209 Florida St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Phone 505-265-2865, email: bfricke@unm.edu
21-23 Chama, New Mexico
Chama Snowmobile/Balloon Rally. 28 balloons invitational. Contact Robin Busick 505-883-5874.
March
1 Millersville, Pennsylvania
John Wise Balloon Society Safety Seminar. Millersville University-McComsey Hall. Email Sherry Willauer swpa@lancnews.infi.net
1-2 Winthrop, Washington
BalloonFest 2003. 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.
8 Sewell, New Jersey
Great Eastern Balloon Association Safety Seminar. Mercer County College Contact Al Dashevsky at 732-521-4441 or email: neonwind@balloonist.com
15 Jefferson, Oregon
Balloon Safety Seminar. Contact Bob or Marianne LeDoux. 541-521-0007 or email bobledoux@proaxis.com
15 Boise, Idaho
Balloons Over Idaho Safety Seminar. Contact Gary Odom email: gary_odom@oas.gov
21-22 Macon, Georgia
21st Annual Macon Cherry Blossom Festival Presents the Sprint PCS 2003 Cherry Blossom Festival BalloonFest. 35 balloons Contact Cherry Blossom Festival, 794 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201, 478-751-7429. email: cbf@cherryblossom.com Internet: www.cherryblossom.com
21-27 Alentejo, Portugal
Portuguese Ballooning Club presents 7th Annual Transcrossing of Portugal in stages. Contact Mr. Paulo Caldeira or Ms. Claudia Pimentel, phone: +351 33 5074530, Fax: +351 22 5074539, email: mail@realizar.com, Internet: www.realizar.com
26-30 Wairarapa, New Zealand
Genesis International Balloon Fiesta 2003. Special shapes, Powerco Night Glow, competition. Contact Anne-Louise Wirth, Avenues Event Management, PO Boc 10-612, Level 1, 108 The Terrace, Wellington, New Zealand. email: susan@avenues.co.nz, Internet: www.times-age.co.nz/balloons
April
9-13 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons over Waikato Festival 2003. 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 Event Manager, Balloons over Waikato Charitable Trust, PO Box 66 Hamilton, New Zealand. PH +64 78396677 FAX +64 7826 7736 Email: info@balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz Website: www.balloonsoverwaikato.co.nz
11-13 Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Internet: www.dogwood.org
25-26 Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby Festival and Humana Derby Great Balloon Glow 9 pm - Kentucky State Fairgrounds Louisville, KY 50 balloons. Internet: www.kdf.org/events/
26 Covington, Washington
PSLTAS Safety Seminar. One day iron butt seminar with back to basis and more. Contact Mandy Johnson, email: kindaducky@aol.com
May
9-11 Walla Walla, Washington
29th Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. Contact the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 644, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-525-0850. email: info@wwchamber.com, Internet: www.wwchamber.com
9-11 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 25 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, POB 1, Manchaca, TX 78652, 512-784-5681, e-mail: dsherrill3@austin.rr.com
16-18 Jacksonville, Florida
CANCELLED - Children's Mircacle Network Balloon Festival. 40 balloons, $10,000 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
17-18 Madras, Oregon
9th Collage of Culture celebrates cultural diversity. 25 balloons, light hearted flying. Contact Derek Hancock 503-638-3254, e-mail: derekhancock@juno.com
20-24 Kecskemet, Hungary
24th Hungarian National Championship and 4th Termofarm Cup Hot Air Balloon International Compettition and AirShow. The entry closing date is April 24, 2003. Zoltán PÁLHEGYI, Event Director Phone: +36 20 9218 659 (English, Hungarian) e-mail: phz@freemail.hu, Internet: www.aurum.hu
23-26 Farmington, New Mexico
Farmington Balloon Festival. 40 balloons. Contact Debbie Dusenbery, Convention & Visitor's Bureau, 3041 E Main Farmington, NM 87402, 505-326-7602
23-26 Anderson, South Carolina
22nd Annual Pontiac GMC 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
23-26 El Paso, Texas
18th Annual KLAQ El Paso International Balloon Festival. 60 balloons plus special shapes. Includes balloon glow, and 15th Friendship International flight from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso. Contact Joni Superville at 915-727-5527, email: joniklaq@aol.com
23-26 Decatur, Alabama
26th annual Alabama Jubilee Hot-air Balloon Classic. 60 balloons includes balloon glow, continuous stage entertainment, arts & crafts show, antique engine & tractor show, seafood festival, and all totally free to the public. Contact: Debra Talley, Special Events Director - Decatur/Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-524-6181, e-mail: dtalley@decaturcvb.org or www.decaturcvb.org
30-Jun 8 Zagreb & Motovun, Croatia
Croatia 2003 Balloon Rally organized by the Balloon Klub of Zagreb. Event based in two centers, first three days in Zagreb, the historic and beautiful capital of Croatia. Second center, Istria is a beautiful area of Croatia situated on the Adriatic Coast. For more information contact Tom via email: balon-zg@zg.hinet.hr
29-Jun 1 Grants Pass, Oregon
Seventh Annual Wild Rogue Balloon Festival. 15 Balloons. Contact Bill Heaphy 541-479-8627, email: bheaphy@earthlink.net
June
5-7 Helen, Georgia
30th Annual Helen-to-the-Atlantic Balloon Race. Race to the Atlantic plus Fiesta and gas balloon flying in Helen, Georgia. Contact Head Balloons, PO Box 28, Helen, GA 30545. 706-865-3874. Internet: home.att.net/~helenballoon/
6 Danville, Illinois
Boat Club Splash. For more information email: dean@heritagedevelop.com or phone 217-446-2365
6-8 Bend, Oregon
Wells Fargo Balloons over Bend. Contact Barb Malcom 541-382-3221, Internet: www.bendchamber.org/balloon.html email: barb@bendchamber.org
13-15 Quechee, Vermont
24th 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, email at whid@gate.net, Internet: www.quechee.com
13-15 Tigard, Oregon
Tigard Balloon Festival. Contact Bruce Ellis, email: bellis@dpnicoli.com
13-15 Syracuse, New York
24th Annual Coors Light Balloon Fest presented by 93Q at Jamesville Beach Park, just south of Syracuse. Over 30 balloons, 5 flight times and balloon glow, national & regional music acts throughout weekend, amusement rides, childrens stage, fresh water beach. Rides available. Admission $5; 12 & under free.For more information, contact Onondaga County Parks at 315-451-7275, ocparks@nysnet.net, Internet: www.syracuseballoonfest.com
13-15 Sulphur Springs, Texas
The Hopkins Dairy Festival. 1 fun flight, two glows, two competition flights. 15 balloons. Contact Jim Mercier email: pilot@skychasers.com
20-22 Grove City, Ohio
4th Annual Big Bear Balloon Festival. 75+ Balloons, Sponsor Driven, Major Media Coverage, $10,000 Prize Money, Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, 150,000+ attendees, Top-Notch Concert Line-up, Propane & Hotel provided. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-9732, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
20-22 Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood Balloon Fest/Mississippi State Championship. Contact Greenwood Balloon Fest, Inc. PO Box 1808, Greenwood, MS 38930. 662-453-5905, email: joe@greenwwodballoonfest.com Internet: www.greenwoodballoonfest.com
20-22 Clinton, Iowa
Balloons in June, Balloon glows and mass ascensions, 25 balloons, Other community events. Contact Paul Schneider, 563-242-9174. Internet: www.geocities.com/balloonsinjune
20-22 Dallas/Fort Work, Texas
KSCS Midway Balloon Festival, at Mid-Way Regional Airport, just off U.S. 287, halfway between Midlothian and Waxahachie. Net proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas, which has granted more than 1,900 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses since 1982. Web site: www.MidwayBalloonFestival.net. For more information, call 817-473-7738
20-22 Marysville, California
Golden West Fly-in Airshow. This year Golden West adds hot air balloons to its dazzling flights by vintage and modern aircraft. Mass ascensions all three days with "GlowShow" on Saturday night. Website: www.goldenwestflyin.org/gwaahome.shtml Contact Gary Rominger: Gary@EmpyrealBalloons.com
24-29 Boise, Idaho
13th annual Boise River Festival. Voted Best Event in 2000 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, Internet: www.balloonshootout.com
28-29 Windsor, California
Sonoma County's 14th Annual Hot Air Balloon Classic. Fly the wine country,
30-40 balloons. Contact Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, PO Box 819,
Windsor, CA. or Kathy Coghlan email: kcoghlan@bollingercpa.com
28-July 5 Mildura International Balloon Fiesta
Australian Nationals/Pre-World Championships. Mildura International Balloon Fiesta Inc., Administrator: Ms Deidre Blackmore, PO Box 3016, Mildura, Victoria 3502, Australia. email:admin@mibf.com.au Internet: Internet: www.mibf.com.au
July
3-5 Driggs, Idaho
Grand Teton Summer Festival. Great view of the Grand Tetons. Small high altitude rally. Contact David Miller, email: skybirdman@aol.com
3-6 Montrose, Colorado
20h Annual Lighter-than-Air Balloon Affaire.40 balloons, Coincides with the Montrose Great American Summer Salute. For more information contact Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net, Internet: www.montroseevents.com or JoAnn Galbreath 970-252-3415, email galeandjo@att.net
3-6 Lisel, Illinois
23rd Eyes to the Sky Balloon Fest. 25 balloons. 9.5 million people Chicago media market. Internet: www.eyestotheskiesfestival.com/home.htm
11-20 Todi, Italy
15th Todi Grand Prix. 50 balloons. Held in the beautiful medieval town of Todi, situated in the center of the Italian Umbria region. Laid back, holiday event. Contact Ralph Shaw via fax + 39 (0)75 894-44-80, email: todigrandprix@tiscalinet.it
11-13 Medford, Oregon
Rouge Valley Balloon Rally. Contact Rex or Debbie Johnson 541-664-2171, email: john933@attglobal.net
11-13 Longview, Texas
26th The Great Texas Balloon Race. 80 balloons. $28,000 prize money, plus key grab. Contact Elaine Reynolds, Longview Partnership, 410 N Center St., Longview, TX 75601, 903-237-4000.
11-13 Wellsville, New York
28th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Bruce Hand 716-593-6257; email: bhand29238@aol.com. Internet: www.welsvilleballoonrally.com
11-13 Medford, Oregon
Rouge Valley Balloon Rally. Contact Rex or Debbie Johnson 541-664-2171, email: john933@attglobal.net
11-20 Todi, Italy
15th Todi Grand Prix. 50 balloons. Held in the beautiful medieval town of Todi, situated in the center of the Italian Umbria region. Laid back, holiday event. Contact Ralph Shaw via fax + 39 (0)75 894-44-80, email: todigrandprix@tiscalinet.it
18-20 Jackson, Michigan
21st 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
25-27 Kingsport, Tennessee
Fun Fest Balloon Rally. 22nd year, fun rally, with show-up fee, free propane, great Pilot Packs, host families/other lodging. 25 balloons, fireworks, concerts, jascott1@prodigy.net or www.funfest.net.
25-27 Readington, New Jersey
21st Annual Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning presented by JCP&L. 125+ Balloons, Sponsor Driven, Major Media Coverage, $15,000 Prize Money, Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, 185,000+ attendees, Top-Notch Concert Line-up, Propane & Hotel provided. Contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-5464, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
25-27 Canton, Ohio
18th annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Balloon Classic 65 balloons, team competition, $13,000 prize money. Contact Lisa Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival, 222 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44702, phone 330-458-2054, email: lisas@cantonchamber.org
25-27 Kinsport, Tennessee
Fun Fest Balloon Rally. 22nd year, fun rally, with show-up fee, free propane, great Pilot Packs, host families/other lodging. 25 balloons, fireworks, concerts, jascott1@prodigy.net or www.funfest.net.
25-27 Fayette, Alabama
BalloonBast '03, 25 balloons, $6,000 prize money. Benefits the ARC of Fayette/Lamar Conties. Contact Phillip Thompson, 5123 W 85th St S, Tulsa, OK 74131. Phone: 918-227-1399, email: phillipt@flash.net
25-Aug 3 Lorraine, France
Mondial Air Balloons/Lorraine 2003. Largest balloon event in the world set in northeastern France countryside. Phone +33 (0)3 87 64 08 08, Internet: www.pilatre@pilatre-de-rozier.com email: pilatre@pilatre-de-rozier.com
31-Aug 3 Billings, Montana
9th Annual Rocky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Championship-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
31-Aug 4 London, Ontario
20th London Balloon Festival. 22 balloons. Fun flying, launch from downtown park, 115,000+ spectators. Contact Wayne Metler, Phone 519-696-2088 FAX 519-696-2414, email: balloon_festival_london@hotmail.com
August
1-3 Binghamton, New York
19th 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
1-3 Cody, Wyoming
8th Cody's Wild West Balloon Fest. 20 balloons. Contacct Pink Way, 901 10th St, Cody, WY 82314. 307-527-7424, email: jplway@wavecom.net
1-3 Tusla, 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
1-9 Indianola, Iowa
National Balloon Classic. Contact National Balloon Classic, PO Box 346, Indianola, IA 50125, 800-FLY-IOWA, email: classicgk@aol.com
4-9 Chrudim, Czech Republic
Balloon Show/Fiesta. 6th Balloon Cup of the Czech Republic Competition. Contact Frantisek and Tamara, email: svihlik@faster-ok.cz, Internet: wwwfaster-ok.cz/balon2003_en.php, entry form: www.faster-ok.cz/prihlaska_en.php
8-9 Oklahoma City
Balloon Fest '03, 55 balloons, $10,000 Prize Money, Contact: Phillip Thompson, 5123 W. 85th St. S. ,Tulsa, OK 74131. (918) 227-1399, email: phillipt@flash.net
8-10 Seymour, Wisconsin
Home of the Hamburger 3rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally. Contact email: bumsinparadise@new.rr.com, phone: 920-993-6985, Internet: www.bumsinparadise.com
8-10 Wooburn, Oregon
Weekend of ballooning fun in the Willamette Valley. Contact Jim Smith, Pacific Peaks Balloon Company, 16065 SW Barrington Place, Tigard, OR 97224, Phone: 503-590-5250, email: jim@pachigh.com
9-17 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
20th International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Hot Air Balloon Festival.125 montgolfières, 20 Special Shapes. Contact Daniel Bissonnette, 4 chemin de l'Aéroport, St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, J3B 7B5 450-346-6000, fax 450-346-6148. email: mc@montgolfieres.com. Internet: www.ballooncanada.com
15-17 Albany, Oregon
Wah Chang Northwest Art & Air Festival. Contact Albany Visitors Association, PO Box 965, Albany, OR 97321. 1-800-526-2256, email: Jimmie Lucht jlucht@albanyvisitors.com Internet: www.albanyvisitors.com
15-17 Centralia, Illinois
14th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest 2002. 45 balloons, Craft Air, Cardboard Boat Races, Contact The Greater Centralia CoC, 130 S Locust St, Centralia, IL 62801, Ph 888-533-2600, email: gccoc@midwest.net
15-17 Auburn, Maine
The 11th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival. Pilot packs, champagne, hotels, and propane. over 35 balloons with a few special shapes. For more information visit Greatfallsballoonfestival.org
22-24 Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival, 60 balloons. Contact Terry Smith, 9871 S Deer Creek Rd, Littleton, CO 80127, 303-697-1039, email terry@rockymountainballoonfestival.com, Internet: www.rockymountainballoonfestival.com
22-24 Tullamore, Ireland
Tullamore Phoenix Festival - Tullamore - County Offaly - Ireland. Hot Air Balloons - Dawn and Evening Flights. Other events include: Street Entertainment - Live Bands - Canal Barge Trips - Heritage Exhibitions - Sports Competitions - Art & Literature Exhibition - Pubs Extensions with live music. Contact: Loughnan Hooper Email: locky@phoenixfestival.ie, Web: www.phoenixfestival.ie, Phone +353 87 8241782
22-24 Battle Ground, Washington
Lewis & Clark Aire Affaire. Contact Don Stout, 360-887-2388, email: lcbc@nwplace.com
22-24 Lincoln, Illinois
15th Annual Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival. Contact Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, 303 S. Kickapoo St., Lincoln, IL 62656-2814, (217) 735-2385. email: chamber@lincolnillinois.com, Internet: www.lincolnillinois.com/balloonfest
22-24 Richmond, Indiana
Fun In The Sun Hot Air Balloon Festival and Air Show. 20-30 balloons. Contact Greg Stiens, email: gstiens@ci.richmond.in.us
22-24 Findlay, Ohio
4th Annual Flag City Balloon Fest Invitational, 30+ balloons, celebrating Ohio's Bicentennial and 100 Years of Flight, over $5,000.00 prize money, pilot & crew reception, propane and hotel provided, awards banquet, major media coverage, multiple site entertainment, special salute to Military Veterans. Contact Findlay Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, 419-422-3315, or Phil Clinger, Altitude Endeavors, aendeavors@aol.com, web site www.flagcityballoonfest.com.
22-24 Houston, Texas
Ballunar Liftoff Festival @ NASA/Johnson Space Center, 100 balloons. For information and registration visit www.ballunarfestival.com
23-24 Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington Balloon Fiesta. Sponsored by Oliver Winery and co-sponsored by The Herald-Times and WGCL. Monroe County Airport
29-Sep 1 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
3rd Annual Lake Coeur d'Alene BalloonFest. Night glows, live entertainment, vendors, and children's activities. Contact Kagey Company Inc., PO Box 321, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816, 208-667-2314, email: info@fyinorthidaho.com, Internet: www.cdaballoonfest.com
29-Sep 1 Gatineau, Ontario
16th Gatineau hot air balloon festival. 150 balloons. Contact Anne Benoit, Coordonnatrice des montgolfières, 144 boulevard de l'hopital, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, J8T-7S7, 819-243-2331 or fax 819-243-2338, anne.benoit@ville.gatineau.qc.ca, www.ville.gatineau.qc.ca
29-Sep 1 Colorado Springs, Colorado
27th Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic with 120 balloons in Memorial Park, downtown Colorado Springs. 250,000+ spectators. Contact Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, 328 Bonfoy Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. 719-471-4833, email: balloonclassic@balloonclassic.com
September
5-7 Reno, Nevada
22st Annual Great Reno Balloon Race. 120 balloons, $20,000 prize money. Contact GRBR, PO Box 12695, Reno, NV 89510, 775-826-1181. www.renoballoon.com
5-7 Macomb, Illinois
Macomb Balloon Rally. email: balloons@macomb.com
5-7 Topeka, Kansas
28th Annual HUFF 'n PUFF Balloon Rally. 25 balloons. Free & Family-Friendly Rally at Topeka's Lake Shawnee. Internet: www.huff-n-puff.org, email: info@huff-n-puff.org
5-7 Bowling Green, Kentucky
US Bank Balloon Classic. 60 balloons, $15,000 prize money. NABA Sanctioned Tasks. Saturday & afternoon, & Sunday morning competitive flights. Friday evening "glow/show" & tether rides for the public. Non-corporate balloons must be capable and agree to carry an envelope banner for $100 compensation. No assigned or event required flight crew (passengers) during competitive flights. Contact: David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd., Franklin, TN 37064, 615 799-2323. Email: dcjle@bellsouth.net
12-14 Franklin, Tennessee
Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center. 40 balloons, $12,000 prize money, NABA Sanctioned Tasks. Three morning scheduled competitive flights and half balloons fly-out and half "glow/show" each evening. Non-corporate balloons must be capable and agree to carry an envelope banner for $100 compensation. No assigned or event required flight crew (passengers) during competitive flights. Contact: David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd., Franklin, TN 37064, 615 799-2323. Email: dcjle@bellsouth.net
17-21 Nitra, Slovak Republic
International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, 25 balloons, Special shapes very welcome. 8 flights, Key Grab. Nice flying conditions, no problems with landing and/or farmers. Full English breakfast available, plus Saturday´s BBQ for everyone. An excellent opportunity to discover Slovakia - new country in your logbook. Contact: Mike Santa, +421 905 628396, email: mike@ballooning.sk
19-21 Montague, California
Montague Rotary Balloon Fair, 35+ balloons with special shapes. Fly with 14,161 ft. Mt. Shasta as a back-drop. Fun competitions and prizes, antique steam train rides, flying demonstrations, artisan show and sale, balloonist's parade, barbeque, night glow and more. Contact: Rotary Club of Montague, PO Box 618, Montague, CA 96064, phone 530-459-5404, email: info@montague-balloon-fair.com, Internet: www.montague-balloon-fair.com
19-21 Augusta, Georgia
12th Annual Boshears Skyfest 2002. 30+ balloons. Blue Angels. Pilot rooms, propane, showup money. Contact Kathy Iwert, 695 Kimball Pond Rd, Akien, SC 29803, 803-649-6685, email: jiwert@mindspring.com
19-20 St. Louis, Missouri
31st Great Forest Park Balloon Race. For more information visit http://promos.stltoday.com/balloonrace/
26-28 Louisville, Kentucky
5th Annual Adam Matthews Balloon Festival held at Bowman Field, Featuring live TV coverage with over $20,000 in prize money this years event is limited to 100 balloons. Held at historic Bowman Field this open venue includes propane, hotel room, catered awards dinner, great prizes even for the crew, crew services and entertainment. Adam Matthews Balloon Festival, 2104 Plantside Drive Louisville KY 40299-1924, 502-499-1244, Internet: www.balloonglow.com, email: adam@adammatthews.com
26-27 Mauldin, South Carolina
Mauldinfest 2003, Sunset Park. Family Fun Festival with great entertainment, free admission to all festival events and entertainment. Contact Mauldin CoC 864-297-1323, email: maldincc@bellsouth.net
26-28 Prosser, Washington
14th Annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally in Prosser, Washington. Contact Ron Perkins 509-786-1711, email: perkins@quicktel.com, or Prosser Chamber of Commerce 800-408-1517.
26-28 Louisville, Kentucky
5th Annual Adam Matthews Balloon Festival held at Bowman Field, Featuring live TV coverage with over $40,000 in prize money this years event is limited to 100 balloons. Held at historic Bowman Field this open venue includes propane, hotel room, catered awards dinner, great prizes even for the crew, crew services and entertainment. Adam Matthews Balloon Festival, 2104 Plantside Drive Louisville KY 40299-1924, 502-499-1244, Internet: www.balloonglow.com, email: adam@adammatthews.com
October
4-12 Albuquerque, New Mexico
32st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 750 balloons. Contact AIBF, 4401 Alameda Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: www.aibf.org
5 New Albany, Indiana
Harvest Homecoming Festival. Balloon Race (Hare & Hound) at Indiana University Southeast. Contact Pooly Niemeier, 812-945-3803, email: pniem1999@aol.com
11-12 Stockton, California
Aerospace and Hot Air Balloon Festival. A fun-fly festival to benefit the Venture Integrated Space and Aeronautics Academy, a San Joaquin County Charter School. Vendors, exhibits, balloon rally, night show, NASA, EAA and others. Contact: Gary Rominger, Balloonmeister Gary@EmpyrealBalloons.com 916-381-8339
12-18 Pendleton, Oregon
CANCELED - (Rescheduled for 2004, watch Balloon Life for updates) Wildhorse Women's Shootout - Balloon Championship. 50 women pilots, 7 days, $20,000 in cash prizes. Held at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Visit www.balloonshootout.com for complete details and registration.
17-18 Eagle, Idaho
Boise Balloon Festival. Friday night glow and Saturday morning balloon flight. For more information contact Sandra McDavid 208-938-8224, email: saundra@bigskynetwork.com, Internet: www.boiseballoonfestival.com
17-19 Natchez. Mississippi
18th Annual The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race. Contact Natchez Visitor Reception Center, 640 South Canal Street, Natchez, MS 39120. 800-647-6724, email: GMRBC Internet: www.natchezms.com/balloonrace/index.htm
23-26 Pendleton, Oregon
7th Wildhorse Balloon Bash. Contact Scott Spencer, 111 Broadway #133, Boise, ID 83702. 208-375-0512. email: tigerpilot@earthlink.net, Internet: www.balloonshootout.com
24-26 Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville Balloon Festival. Contact Mark Bowie, email: markbowie@balloonpromotions.com
November
14-16 Scottsdale, Arizona
POSTPONED - Until 2004 - 29th Annual Thunderbird Balloon Classic. 150 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.balloonclassic.thunderbird.edu
17-19 Denver, Colorado
AIAA's 3rd Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Forum. Section on light-than-air to include airship, aerostat, and balloon system communities. Topics of great interest include experimental reports and analytical results, program overviews, in-depth technical reviews, survey, and historical research. Contact Patrick Murphy 703-264-7613, email: patrickd@aiaa.org, Internet: www.aiaa.org/events/atio03
21-23 Montrose, Colorado
11th Black Canyon Balloon Classic, 40 balloons. For more information contact Ric Simon simonsez@ocinet.net, Internet: www.montroseevents.com, phone Montrose Events, Inc. 970-249-0102.
27 Danville, Illinois
Annual Les Nessman Turkey Drop, an Illinois balloonist tradition in honor of the great WKRP in Cincinnati episode. Contact Dean Carlton at 217-446-2365 or email: dean@heritagedevelop.com
29-30 Socorro, New Mexico
Socorro Balloon Rally, Socorro, NM. 35 balloons. Contact Mike Shrum, Socorro County CoC Phone: 505-835-0424, email: mikeshrum@att.net, Internet: www.socorro-nm.com
December
5-7 Gallup, New Mexico
23rd Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally. 200+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305. Internet: www.redrockballoonrally.com
5-7 Battle Creek, Michigan
5th Anniversary Holiday Balloon Fest, 65-70 balloons by invitation only, entry fee not refundable, $5,000 cash & prizes, plus "Wreath Toss" proceeds. Contact Holiday Balloon Fest, Inc., 77 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017, website: www.holidayballoonfest.com, email: info@holidayballoonfest.com, 269-962-4076 or 269-209-1792.