2003 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
10-24 Filzmoos, Austria
International Hot Air Ballooning Week. Internet: Balloon Festival
17-18 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
17-25 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 1 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
30-Feb 1 Charlotte, North Carolina
Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar and Trade Show. Two day event hosted by The Carolinas Balloon Association invites, pilots, crew, and thusiasts to attend. For more information email: safetyseminar@carolinasballoonassociation.com or Internet: www.carolinasballoonassociation.com
February
6-8 Hudson, Wisconsin
15th 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
6-9 Barrie, Ontario
7th Barrie Winter Balloon Festival. Come and enjoy some high flying winter excitement! 15 balloons, fun flying competitions, pilot packs and social events. Contact: Dave Monson, Sundance Balloons, 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, Ontario, N0L 1B0, Canada. Telephone: 1-800-IN-FLITE. E-mail: dave@sundanceballoons.com
13-16 Atlanta, Georgia
Southeastern States Safety Seminar and Trade Show. Contact Debi Ferral 404-808-9925.
14-15 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 Keithville, Louisiana
North Louisiana Ballooning Association safety seminar. For more information contact Pat Harwell 318-865-8343, email: ameriesc@bellsouth.net
27-29 Phoenix, Arizona
Turf Paradise Balloon Classic. Horsing in the afternoons with Balloon Glows in the evenings, Live music, Fun for the whole family. Come for the horsing racing in the afternoon, stay for the Balloons in the evening. Contact: SurpriseBalloons@aol.com Turf Paradise Balloon Classic 15508 W Bell Rd Ste 101 PMB 523 Surprise AZ 85374 623-583-1314 . Internet: www.turfparadiseballoonclassic.com
28 East Hartford, Connecticut
Connecticut LTA Society safety seminar. Contact Penny Christy 800-638-3803, email: pmchristy@earthlink.net
28 Houston, Texas
The Lone Star Hot Air Balloon Club Safety Seminar. HP Visitor Center, Houston. Contact Sue Mann, 1707 Sullins Way, Houston, TX 77058, Phone: 281-326-2056
March
5-7 Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop Flyout. Contact Lori Kiesz 509-996-4115 or email: kieszthis@hotmail.com
13 New Brunswick, New Jersey
Great Eastern Balloon Association safety seminar, held at Rutgers University. www.gebaballoon.org/geba.htm
13 St. Helens, Oregon
Safety seminar. Contact Tim Gale 503-366-0608 or email: tm_gale@yahoo.com
19-21 Macon, Georgia
22nd Annual Macon Cherry Blossom Festival 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
24-28 Wairarapa, New Zealand
Genesis International Balloon Fiesta 2004. 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.nzballoons.co.nz
26-28 Scottsdale, Arizona
29th Thunderbird Balloon Classic. 150 balloons. For more information contact Jennifer Schunur 602-978-7330. email: schnurj@t-bird.edu Internet: www.balloonclassic.thunderbird.edu/
26-Apr 2 Chaves, Portugal
Portuguese Ballooning Club presents 8th 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
27 Tracy, California
Pacific Coast Aeronauts safety seminar. Contact Larry Boucher 408-226-7756, email: larrybou@pacbell.net
April
3 Covington, Washington
PSLTAS Safety Seminar. One day iron butt seminar with back to basis and more. Contact Mandy Johnson, email: mandy@golightlyinc.com
14-18 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons over Waikato Festival 2004. 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. 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
23-24 Louisville, Kentucky
Kentucky Derby Festival and U.S. Bank Great Balloon Glow 9 pm - Kentucky State Fairgrounds Louisville, KY 50 balloons. Internet: www.kdf.org/events/
30-May 2 Chipley, Florida
Touchstone Energy Balloon Festival Chipley, FL contact Bill Whidden, 407-870-0031 or whids@juno.com 20 balloons, paid rides, corporates welcome
May
7-9 Walla Walla, Washington
30th 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
7-9 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 25 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, POB 1, Manchaca, TX 78652, 512-784-5681, e-mail: dsherrill3@austin.rr.com
7-9 Anthony, Kansas
7th annual Sunflower Balloon Fest is part of the 126th anniversary of Anthony. Parades, competitions, and festival. For more information contact Gwen Warner 620-842-5456 or email: acc@midway.net, Internet: www.anthonychamber.com
14-16 Erie, Colorado
8th ErieTown Fair Balloon Festival. Contact Steve Hunter 303-877-8501, email: shunter@citycom.com
21-23 Jacksonville, Florida
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
28-31 Anderson, South Carolina
23rd 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
28-31 El Paso, Texas
19th Annual KLAQ El Paso International Balloon Festival. 60 balloons plus special shapes. Includes balloon glow, and 16th Friendship International flight from Juarez, Mexico to El Paso. Contact Joni Superville at 915-727-5527, email: joniklaq@aol.com
28-31 Decatur, Alabama
27th 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
June
3-6 Helen, Georgia
31st 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/
4-6 Essex Junction, Vermont
Vermont Balloon & Music Festival at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center. Field is limited to 35 balloons. $7,500 Prize Money. Pilot/Crew Party, Passenger Rides, Pilot Gifts, Propane & Hotel provided. For more information contact Marie Policastro, 1140 Bloomfield Ave. #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006, Phone: 973-882-5464, Email: mpolicastro@balloonfestival.com, Website: www.balloonfestival.com
11-13 Bend, Oregon
Balloons over Bend. Contact Steve Peters, email: petersretired@hotmail.com Internet: www.balloonsoverbend.com
11-13 Syracuse, New York
25th 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 $6; $1 (6-12); 5 & under free.For more information, contact Onondaga County Parks at 315-451-7275, parks@ongov.net Internet: www.syracuseballoonfest.com
11-13 Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dairy "Airs" Hot Air Balloon Rally. Contact Kari Smith at: kari@bluebonnet.net
18-20 Quechee, Vermont
25th 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@juno.com, Internet: www.quechee.com
18-20 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
18-20 York, Pennsylvania
York County Parks Balloon Festival. Contact David Robinson, 2291 Manor Rd, York, PA 17404 717-767-7744, email: wndjamr@aol.com
23-27 Kosce, Slovakia
11th annual Balloon Fiesta. For more information visit their web site: www.balloon.sk/bfe.html
25-27 Boise, Idaho
Boise Hot Air Balloon Rally. Contact Scott Spencer, 111 Broadway #133, Boise, ID 83702. 208-375-0512. email: tigerpilot@earthlink.net, Internet: www.balloonshootout.com
25-26 Hope, Arkansas
Second Annual Senator Lloyd Spencer Memorial Balloon Race will be held at the Hope Municipal Airport. Sponsored by Sentimental Journey to Southwestern Proving Ground, a non-profit organization. Proceeds go to the SPG WWII Museum. Friday: balloon glow, tethered rides, Lions Club fish fry. Saturday: morning and afternoon balloon races, vintage autos and aircraft displays. Contact: John Hays (870) 777-2363, Pat Rhoads (870) 722-6915, Dave Phillips (870) 722-8279. Write SJSPG, P.O. Box 2252, Hope, AR 71802-2252.
26-27 Windsor, California
Sonoma County's 15th 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
25-27 Clinton, Iowa
Balloons in June. 35 balloons. Contact Paul Schneider 563-242-9174, email: ecstasy@ncleodusa.net, Internet: www.balloonsinjune.us
26-July 3 16th World Hot Air Balloon Championship, Mildura, Australia
16th World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Mildura International Balloon Fiesta Inc., Administrator: Ms Deidre Blackmore, PO Box 3016, Mildura, Victoria 3502, Australia. email: admin@mibf.com.au Internet: www.2004worldsballoons.com
July
2-4 Montrose, Colorado
21st 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
3-5 Lexington, Virginia
Sunrise Rotary Balloon Festival Lexington, VA contact Bill Whidden, 407-870-0031 or whids@juno.com 20 balloons, paid rides, corporates welcome
9-11 Longview, Texas
27th 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. email: longpart@aol.com
16-18 Jackson, Michigan
22nd 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
23-25 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.
23-25 Readington, New Jersey
22nd 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
31-Aug 1 Canton, Ohio
19th annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Balloon Classic 65 balloons, team competition, $15,000 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
29-Aug 1 Billings, Montana
10th 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
29-Aug 2 London, Ontario
21st London Balloon Festival. 20 balloons and Special Shapes. Fun flying from beautiful downtown London. 100,000 plus spectators, midway, evening concerts, pilot packs and great hospitality. Contact: Dave Monson, Sundance Balloons, 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, Ontario, N0L 1B0, Canada. Telephone: 1-800-IN-FLITE. Website: www.londonballoonfestival.ca E-mail:dave@sundanceballoons.com
30-Aug 7 Indianola, Iowa
National Balloon Classic. Contact National Balloon Classic, PO Box 346, Indianola, IA 50125, 800-FLY-IOWA, email: classicgk@aol.com
August
6-8 Cody, Wyoming
8th Cody's Wild West Balloon Fest. 20 balloons. Contacct Jack Way, 901 10th St, Cody, WY 82314. 307-527-7424, email: jack.way@bresnan.net
6-8 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
14-22 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
21st 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
20-22 Auburn, Maine
The 12th 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
27-29 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
27-29 Lincoln, Illinois
16th 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
27-29 Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
1st Annual Kitchener Balloon Festival. Fun flying and competitions, 25 balloons. Contact: Dave Monson, Sundance Balloons, 48 Crampton Dr, Belmont, Ontario, N0L 1B0, phone: 1-800-IN-FLITE, email: dave@sundanceballoons.com, Internet: www.sundanceballoons.com
September
4-6 Colorado Springs, Colorado
28th 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
10-12 Reno, Nevada
23rd 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
10-12 Topeka, Kansas
29th 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
10-12 Elephant Butte, New Mexico
24th Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta. Phone: 505-744-4708, email: ebchamber@zianet.com
17-19 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
17-19 Hazelton, Pennsylvania
Harvest Moon Balloon Festival Hazleton, PA contact Bill Whidden, 407-870-0031 or whids@juno.com 20 balloons, paid rides, corporates welcome
24-26 Louisville, Kentucky
6th 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
25 New Haven, Missouri
Competitive hot air balloons will fill the sky for the15th Annual New Haven Balloon Race. Balloons will lift off at 3 p.m. in New Haven City Park. Spectators also are invited to view the race at the scenic Robller Vineyard. The race is free, but a $3 cover will be charged at the vineyard. Contact Julie Kuenneke 314-446-2014, email: juliek@snyder-workman.com
October
2-10 Albuquerque, New Mexico
33rd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 750 balloons. Contact AIBF, 4401 Alameda Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: www.aibf.org
7-11 Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Canadian Balloon Championship 2004. 30 balloons in competition plus more Fiesta Fun Flying in very challenging lcoation. For more information email: info@aces-kamloops.ca, Internet: www.aces-kamloops.ca
15-17 Natchez. Mississippi
19th 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
15-17 Eagle, Idaho
Boise Balloon Festival. Friday night glow and Saturday morning balloon flight. For more information contact Andrew Petrehn 208-939-8119, email: info@boiseballoonfestival.com Internet: www.boiseballoonfestival.com
November
12-14 Lake Powell, Arizona
Page/Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce Balloon Regatta. Contact Chrissy Horan 888-261-7243, email: chamber@pagelakepowellchamber.org
25 Danville, Illinois
The Les Nessman Turkey Drop on Thursday November 25th (Thanksgiving Day) is an Illinois balloonist tradition in honor of the great WKRP In Cincinnati episode where turkeys were dropped from an airplane. In this case, balloonists drop frozen birds on a target at dawn on Thanksgiving morning. For details, contact Dean Carlton at dean@heritagedevelop.com or 217-446-2365
26-28 Montrose, Colorado
12th 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.
27-28 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
3-5 Gallup, New Mexico
24th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally. 200+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305. Internet: www.redrockballoonrally.com
3-5 Battle Creek, Michigan
6th 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.