January
16-17 Mesilla Valley, New Mexico
Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally. 75 balloons. Contact Janette Stone, 5109 Hacienda, Las Cruces, NM 88011, phone 505-382-5465
23 Natchez, Mississippi
Pilot/Crew Hot Air Balloon Safety Seminar, "The Safety Rendezvous 99." Special program format covering safety aspects of ballooning, very special guest Don Piccard, plus more. Contact Carson Lane, 429 Kimmeridge Dr, Baton Rouge. LA 70815 or e-mail: kkards@iamerica.net
29-30 Charlotte, North Carolina
Carolina's Balloon Association Safety Seminar. The Balloon It's Nature, Accessories, Care & Feeding. Contact Kristie Darling, 399 W Page Hager Rd, Cleveland, NC 27013, ph 704-872-7761 or e-mail: KrisDarlin@aol.com.
29-31 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
5-7 Hudson, Wisconsin
Tenth annual Hudson Hot Air Affair balloon rally and winter festival. Contact Carla Jackman-Martin, Hudson Hot Air Affair, PO Box 744, Hudson, WI 54016. Phone 715-386-2394, e-mail hotair@pressenter.com.
6 Plano, Texas
Safety Seminar - Back to Basics, Harvey Hotel in Plano. $35 prior to Jan 15 $45 after. For more information contact PBA, PO Box 861465, Plano, TX 75086
6-7 Holland, Michigan
6th Annual Trans-Michigan Balloon Race. One of a kind long distance race across Michigan. Contact Craig Elliott, 248-634-9400 or Marc Van Dis 616-335-3363.
5-7 Palm Springs, California
Desert Sky Classic. 30+ balloons, $5,000 prize money. Contact Kim Lynch, North American Lighter Than Air Association, 30520 Rancho California Rd, Suite 107-214, Temecula, CA 92591, Phone 909-694-6289, email: dklynch@gte.net
12-14 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Friends and Lovers Rally, Invitational 135+ balloons. Contact Carol Bair, 8801 Osuna Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, (505) 296-3505
13 Madison, Alabama
Safely into the Next Millennium "core" safety seminar hosted by the Heart of Dixie Balloon Club. Don Piccard, Sid Conn, and many more speakers. Contact Jeff Maddox, POB 288, Madison, AL 35758, phone 256-461-9553, or email: balloon@apexfocus.com
18-19 Statesville, North Carolina
The Balloon Works' 26th Annual Seminar for Continued Airworthiness. Attendance limited to 35 participants. Contact Allison at The Balloon Works, 810 Salisbury Rd, Statesville, NC 28677 or call (704) 878-9501.
19-21 Carlisle, Iowa
Private and Commercial Ground School sponsored by Balloons Over Iowa, 1900 Blue Place, Carlisle, IA 50047. Up to 20 hours of instruction. Contact Mike Oberman at (515) 961-8270 or Rob Bartholomew (515) 989-3708 or e-mail: moberman@ifmc.org
20 Lakeland, Florida
Balloon Safety Seminar. For more information contact Mark Roberson, 11475 Rocket Blvd, Orlando, FL 32824 or call 407-856-7833 or call Bill Whidden 407-870-0031.
20 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tri-Annual Safety Seminar hosted by the Oklahoma Windriders. One day, eight hour seminar, BFA approved core subjects. Contact Lynn Harris, email: lynnharris@worldnet.att.net
27-28 Seattle, Washington
PSLTA Safety Seminar. Back to Basics and Enrichment. Featured speaker Joe Kittinger. Contact Mandy Johnson, 428 8th St Ste 3, Auburn, WA 98002 or call 253-939-3040, email: kindaducky@aol.com
27 Statesville, North Carolina
FireFly Flight Safety Seminar. Sessions designed to cover topics related specifically to developing safe piloting skills, including accident analysis and balloon performance. Contact Alison at TBW 704-878-9501, or email Elenor Conn firefly@abts.net.
March
5-7 Akron, Ohio
Balloonowledge '99 Safety Seminar and Trade Fair. Contact Beth Sullivan, 247 19th St NW, Canton, OH 44709. 330-453-2539, email: beths1207@aol.com
6 Millersville, Pennsylvania
John Wise Balloon Society Safety Seminar. email: catearl@juno.com
6-7 Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa Balloonists Association Safety Seminar. Contact Mark Zino email: ziino@raccoon.com
13 Oakland, California
Safety Seminar with Ed Yost. FAA and FAA Wings. $50 includes dinner and literature. Contact Balloon Excelsior, 1241 High Street, Oakland, CA 94601, (510) 261-4222, email: balpub@vdn.com
13 Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Great Eastern Balloon Association Safety Seminar. Montgomery County College Contact Al Dashevsky at 732-521-4440 or email: neonwind@balloonist.com
23 Racine, Wisconsin
23rd Midwest Balloon Safety Seminar. BFA core seminar, speakers include: Lou Billones, Bill Zangs, Pat Canon, Jerry Stephan, Tom Sheppard, Pete Asp, and Keith Wohlfert. Contact Keith Wohlfert email: kwohlfer@maqs.net
24-28 Hamilton, New Zealand
Balloons Over Waikato. http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~its-tech/bow2000.htm
26-28 Macon, Georgia
17th Cherry Blossom Festival and BellSouth Mobility Balloon Fest. 37 balloons Contact Stephine Stottmann, Cherry Blossom Festival, 794 Cherry St., Macon, GA 31201, (912) 751-7429.
26-28 Conyers, Georgia
18th Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. 25+ balloons. Twenty miles east of Atlanta. Commercial balloons welcome. Contact Bob Tettman, AdVentures Aloft, POB 464246, Lawrenceville, GA 30042. 770-963-0149, email: adventuresaloft@compuserve.com
27-28 DeLand, Florida
15th Annual Central Florida Balloon Rally. 25 balloons, rooms, show up fee, prizes. Contact Doug Gantt, PO Box 35, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130, (904) 736-1010, or fax (904) 738-4302.
27 Denver, Colorado
20th Annual Colorado Balloon Safety Seminar. Contact Mike and Joyce Bundgaard, 2540 South Steele Street, Denver, CO 80210, 303-759-3907.
27-28 Palo Alto, California
Safety Seminar inside Hangar #1 Moffett Field hosted by the Pacific Coast Aeronauts. Contact Pat Moore 408-842-7873 days or e-mail: pqm@ix.netcom.com
27 Albuquerque, New Mexico
Braden's Balloons Aloft third annual Back Basics Safety Seminar. Contact Bradens Balloons, 4915 Paseo Del Norte NE Ste D, Albuquerque, NM 87113, email: bradens@flash.net
April
9-11 Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk Spring Spectacular and Balloon Fest. 80 balloons, key grab, $5,000 in prize money. Contact: Rene Meier at (804) 694-5800, email: blnpromotions@ccsinc.com
9-11 Atlanta, Georgia
62nd 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
16-18 Canowindra, Australia
Marti's Canowindra Balloon Fiesta. Contact Chris Mulligan, PO Box 89, Canowindra, 2804 N.S.W., Australia. Phone +(02) 6364-0211, Fax +(02) 6364-0300.
16-17 Tucson, Arizona
30+ balloons. Contact Kim Lynch, North American Lighter Than Air Association, 30520 Rancho California Rd, Suite 107-214, Temecula, CA 92591, Phone 909-694-6289, email: dklynch@gte.net
16-18 Sebring, Florida
Greater Sebring Balloon Festival, BFA sanctioned, 30 balloons, $7,500 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 904-241-1780, email, balloonmeister@juno.com.
1-2 Temecula, California
Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival. 50 balloons. Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival at (909) 676-6713.
May
1 Austin, Texas
Fly Neighborly seminar sponsored by the Central Texas Balloon Association.. $35. Dee Crabtree, 1 Sentinel Hill Rd, Austin, TX 78737
7-9 Live Oak, Florida
4th Spirit of the Suwannee Balloon Classi. 30 balloons, $5,000 prize money. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. Phone 904-247-1241, Fax 904-241-1780, email: balloonmeister@juno.com
7-9 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland Preakness Celebration. 30 balloons. Contact Dan Sherrill, 13707 Copper Hills Dr., Manchaca, TX 78652, (512) 280-2558, email: aeronaut@freewwweb.com
7-9 Walla Walla, Washington
25th Silver AnniversaryWalla Walla Balloon Stampede. Contact the Walla Walla Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 644, Walla Walla, WA 99362, 509-525-0850.
7-9 Wichita, Kansas
Wichita River Festival Balloon Race, 25 balloons. Contact Greg Thompson, 3308 Fairway Dr, Moore, OK 73160. 405-794-4668, fax 405-794-4544, email: gregthom@flash.net
14-16 Post Mills, Vermont
6th Annual Experimental Balloonand Airship Meet. Largest gathering of homebuilt lighter than air flying machines and enthusiasts. Contact Brian Boland, PO Box 51, Post Mills, VT 05058, 802-333-9254, email: balloons@vermontel.com
14-16 Burlington, North Carolina
The Hospice League Horizons Balloon Festival/Air Show 99, 70+ balloons, $11, 000 prize money. All proceeds to benefit The Hospice Home. Contact Carolyn Starling, PO Box 2122, Burlington, NC 27216. 336- 538-8048.
15-16 Madras, Oregon
The `99' Collage of Culture celebrates cultural diversity. 25 balloons, light hearted flying. Contact Derek Hancock 503-638-3254
15-16 Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Motor Speedway balloon race, launch across street from race track. Contact Nick and Ruthie Hoffbauer, Above & Beyond Balloon Co, email: ruthie@intheair-online.com
21-23 Gasburg, Virginia
Gaston Lake Resort Balloon Classic, Gasburg, VA, May 21-23, 1999, $8,000 prize money, 25 balloons, Please contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240-1591, or call (904) 247-1241, Fax (904) 241-1780 email balloonmeister@juno.com
28-31 Anderson, South Carolina
18th 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.
28-31 Chagrin Falls, Ohio
11th Annual Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Balloon Festival. 25 balloons, $5,000 prize money, BFA sanctioned competition. Contact Dolly Young, 324 E 266th St, Euclid, OH 44132, 216-261-0966, email: dyoung@en.com
28-31 Katy, Texas
2nd Annual Katy Balloon Festival. 50 balloons, contact Philip Bryant, 5001 Woodway #302, Houston, TX 77056, Ph 713-622-9074, Fax 713-850-7139, e-mail: philip_m_bryant@msn.com
28-31 Alpine, Texas
3rd Annual Alpin Balloon Rally. Contact Tim Brady email: tsjmb@asx4u.net
29-31 El Paso, Texas
14th 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.
29-31 Decatur, Alabama
22nd Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic. 55 balloons. Key grab, plenty of big fields. low-pressure flying. Contact Phillip Gentry 256-350-6983, email: mrphil@wind.atmos.uah.edu or Decatur Convention &Visitors Bureau 256-350-2038.
June
2-6 Kosice, Slovakia
6th International Hot-Air Balloon Fiesta. First 3 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: http://www.balloon.sk/
4-6 Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
24th Wisconsin Dells Balloon Rally. 90 balloons. Contact Debbie Spaeth, TDS Aviation Ltd., PO Box 674, West Bend, WI 53095, (414) 338-2300, fax (414) 338-1220, email: dasdeb@hnet.net
4-6 Elkhart, Indiana
Elkhart Airshow and Invitational Balloon Rally. 20 balloons. Contact Michiana Balloon Society, PO Box 48, Union, MI 49130, or call Ken Troyer 616-476-2639, email: kdtroy@hotmail.com
4-6 Grants Pass, Oregon
Third Annual Wild Rogue Balloon Festival. 25 Balloons. Contact GP Visitor Center, 1720A Redwood Ave. Suite 46, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527. 541 476-5510, email: rogue@is-plus.net
5-6 Patterson, California
19th Patterson Apricot Fiesta. Contact Balloon Excelsior, 1241 High St, Oakland, CA 94601, phone 510-261-4222, email: balpub@vdn.com
6-9 Bardejov, Slovakia
1st annual Slovak Balloon Trophy. Contact Balloon Club of Kosice, Jacmenna 10, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia. Phone/fax ++42 19 57 48426, email: ads-ke@dodo.sk, Internet: http://www.balloon.sk/
11-13 Danville, Illinois
13th 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.
11-13 Poughkeepsie, New York
8th Annual Great Hudson Valley Balloon Race. 40+ balloons, 5 flights. Contact Bill Hughes, 246 Mountain Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, (914) 635-2461, email: bhuges8@juno.com
11-13 West Sussex, United Kingdom
4th annual Parham Park Balloon Fiesta & Oldtimers Balloon Meet. In conjunction with South of England's largest Steam and Vintage vehicle weekend. Contact Bob Kent, 44 Shadwells Rd, Lancing, West Sussex, BB15 9EW, UK, email: bpg@mistral.co.uk
11-13 Cooperstown, New York
The I Love NY Summer Balloon Festival in the hometown of the Baseball Hall of Fame. 5 flights starting Friday 12+ balloons. Contact Bill Hughes, 246 Mountain Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, 914-635-2461, email: bhughes8@juno.com.
17-20 Greenwood, Mississippi
Greenwood Balloonfest '99. 80 balloons. Contact Mark Bowie, POB 1982, Greenwood, MS 38935. 601-455-4288, email: markbowie@microsed.com.
18-20 Quechee, Vermont
20th Annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival and Crafts Fair. 20 balloons. Contact Bill Whidden, 3300 Steeplechase Ln, Kissimmee, FL 33474, phone 407-870-0031, fax 407-847-0031, email: whid@gate.net
19 Milton, Delaware
10th Annual Delmarva Hot Air Balloon Festival. 20 balloons. Contact Chuck Wagner, 424 Mulberry St, Milton, DE 19968, 302-684-2002, fax 302-684-1036, email: cwagner@dca.net
24-27 Marlborough, New Zealand
Balloon Festival in the biggest and best wine region
of New Zealand. Contact Christine Brown m4fun@voyager.co.nz
25-27 Warsaw, Indiana
City of Lakes Balloonfest, 15 Balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S. Country Club Road, Warsaw, IN 46580, 219-267-2791.
25-27 Meadville, Pennsylvania
Thurston Classic. 35 balloons. Contact Joyce Stevens, 916 Diamond Park, Meadville, PA 16335, (814) 336- 4000.
25-27 Boise, Idaho
9th annual Boise River Festival. Hot air balloons, family entertainment, parades. Contact Scott Spencer, 111 Broadway #133, Boise, ID 83702. 208-375-0512.
25-27 Goshen, Connecticut
6th 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
25-27 Batavia, New York
Balloons Over Batavia. 30 balloons, arts & crafts, car & steam show, live entertainment. Contact Dwayne Claud 716-382-3479, email: hotair@eznet.net
25-27 Torrington, Connecticut
Northwest Connecticut Balloon Festival. Contact NCBF, 68-A E Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, 860-489-3378, Internet: http://www.concentric.net/~Chinachi/balloon/
26-27 Rohnert Park, California
2nd Annual Hot Air Balloon on the Farm. 20 balloons flying from an organic farm. Funds to local charties. Come fly the wine country. Jeff Ross, 5199 Old Redwood Hwy #79, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, 707-571-7875
July
2-10 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.
2-4 Montrose, Colorado
16th Annual Lighter-than-Air Balloon Affaire. 40 balloons. See Balloon Life Nov 98. Contact Ric Simon, PO Box 1726, Montrose, CO 81402.
3-4 Windsor, California
Sonoma County's 10th Annual Hot Air Balloon Classic. Fly the wine country. Contact Ethel Costner, PO Box 819, Windsor, CA. 707-838-6309.
3-4 Driggs, Idaho
18th Teton Valley, 30 balloons, travel money, hotel and fun. Tom Gough, 963 Elk River Way, Eagle, ID 83616. 208-939-8825.
4-5 Pocatello, Idaho
3rd Greatest Show in Idaho, glow 4th, fly 5th, travel money, hotel. Tom Gough, 963 Elk River Way, Eagle, ID 83616. 208-939-8825.
14-18 Monroe, Wisconsin
14th 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
17-19 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: jubilee@ace.net, Internet: http://www.hotairjubilee.com/
16-18 Longview, Texas
The Great Texas Balloon Race XXI and Special Shape Championship. 85 balloons. $32,000 prize money, Sponsorships available for extra special shapes. Contact Elaine Reynolds, Longview Partnership, 410 N Center St., Longview, TX 75601, (903) 237-4000.
16-17 Wellsville, New York
24th Great Wellsville Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Ken Lotter at 716-593-2615, email: llotter@aol.com, or pilots relations at 716-593-6257, email: lotter.ken@juno.com
16-18 Burlington, Ontario
Sky High Balloon Festival, a family festival of airborne magic. 50 balloons. Call 1-888-SKY-SHOW, email: ginty@sentex.net, Internet: http://www.skyhighballoon.com
16-18 Harborcreek, Pennsylvania
Harborcreek Harborflyte, 12 balloons, top entertainment, mid-way, Harborcreek Chamber of Commerce, 814-899-9173.
16-18 Becancour, Quebec
9th Festival de montgolfieres de Bécancour.
25 montgolfières. Contact Martine Pepin, Bécancour, Quebec.
819-294-6010, fax 819-294-6020, email: martine.pepin@tr.cgocable
16-18 Snohomish, Washington
Snohomish's Kla Ha Ya Days Festival's "Rally in the Valley." Show & glow money. Contact Jim Dreves, PO Box 571, Snohomish, WA 98290, 360-568-4084, email: jd5969@aol.com
22-24 Bowling Green, Kentucky
The Star Bank Balloon Classic. 60 balloons by invitation, $17,500 prize money. Contact David & Jana Eastland, 5160 Inman Branch Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, 615-799-2323, email: dceastland@msn.com
23-25 Readington, New Jersey
17th Annual Quick Check New Jersey Festival of Ballooning. 100+ balloons. Contact Ann Doyle, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, W Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464, Fax 973-882-7961.
23-25 Goshen, Indiana
11th Elkhart County Fair Balloon Chase. 30 balloons. Contact Gene Stutsman, Balloon Fantasy, 802 S. Ind. Ave., Goshen, IN 46536, (219) 534-2000.
23-25 Canton, Ohio
14th annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Balloon Classic 60 balloons, team competition, $12,000 prize money. Contact Joanne Murray, Festival Marketing Director, 229 Wells Ave NW, Canton, OH 44703. 330-456-7253
23-25 Kingston, Rhode Island
21th Annual Wakefield Rotary Balloon Festival. 20 balloons. Contact Larry Fortin, 31 Fortin Rd, Kingston, RI 02881. Ph 401-783-9386
23-25 Holly, Michigan
Children's Miracle Network Seven Lakes State Park Balloon Race. 30 balloons, antique Autos, follow each balloon then race back to the finish line at the launch field with the pilot! Evening only flights with nite glows. Contact: Craig Elliott 248-634-9400, fax 248-634-9963.
23-25 Waukesha, Wisconsin
Spring City Skyfest/Wisconsin State Championship, $3,000 prize money, Key Grab. Contact Ken Walter, Spring City Balloons, Fax 414-547-2490, e-mail: WIHotAir@aol.com
29-Aug 1 Billings, Montana
Big Skyfest, 50 balloons, $100 showup money. $15,000 prize money. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. Phone 904-247-1241 or fax 904-241-1780, email: balloonmeister@juno.com
30-Aug 1 Albany, Oregon
18th Albany Great Balloon Escape and Wine Festival. Contact Albany Visitors Association, PO Box 965, Albany, OR 97321. 1-800-526-2256.
30-Aug 1 Perry, New York
Sea Serpent Balloon Festival & Craft Show, 20 balloons, entertainment. Contact Perry Chamber of Commerce 716-237-5040.
30-Aug 7 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
30-Aug 11 Lorraine, France
Lorraine 99, 6th 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
30-Aug 1 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gatesway Int'l Balloon Festival; Oklahoma Hot Air Balloon Champioship; 100 balloons, $5,000 prize money. Contact Greg Thompson, 3308 Fairway Dr, Moore, OK 73160, 405-794-4668, fax 405-794-4544, email: gregthom@flash.net
30-31 Cleburne, Texas
Cleburne on the Rise Balloon Festival, 50 balloons. Contact Ron Layland, Cleburne CoC, PO Box 701, Cleburne, TX 76033-0701. (817) 645-2455.
August
1-8 Svratouch, Czech Republic
Balloon Show/Fiesta. 3rd Balloon Cup of the Czech Republic Competition. Contact Ceska vzduchoplavebni spolecnost, V Hlinikach 1172, 537 01 Chrudim, Czech Republic. Tel 011 420 455 62 02 68 ext. 71, Fax 011 420 455 62 06 47, e-mail: balloon_show@seznam.cz
4-8 Canton, Mississippi
NABA Championship. $60,000 prizes. Contact Bert Carollo, 663 Lakewood Dr NE, Brookhaven, MS, 601-835-1082
6-8 Binghamton, New York
Binghamton Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally. 40 balloons. Contact Dave Pessalro, PO Box 275 WVS, Binghamton, NY 13905, phone 607-761-2475
6-8 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
22nd Annual Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta. 25 balloons. Contact Kevin Poeppelman, 26809 Haines Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871, (301) 881-6262.
6-9 Kansas City, Missouri
Soaring thru Silence. 65 balloons. $5,000 prize money, Key grab. Contact Greg Thompson, 3308 Fairway Dr, Moore, OK 73160. 405-794-4668, fax 405-794-4544, email: gregthom@flash.net
7-15 St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec
16th Festival de Montgolfieres de Saint Jean.125 montgolfières. Contact Martin Baccichet, Aeroport Municipal de St-Jean, Building #4, St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, J3B 7B5 (514) 346-6000, fax (514) 346-6148.
7-14 Rantoul, Illinois
U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship. Contact Balloon Federation of America, PO Box 400, Indianola, IA 50125, 515-961-8809.
13-15 Centralia, Illinois
10th Annual Centralia Balloon Fest 99. 45 balloons, $15,000 prize money. Contact Balloonmeister Bob Corey, 610 S Beckley Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40233, 501-245-0955.
13-15 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Southwest Bell Balloonfest '99, 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
13-15 Medford, Oregon
5th Annual Rogue Valley Balloon Rally. 25 balloons. Contact Treasa Sprague or Rex Johnson, RVBR '99, PO Box 5129, Central Point, OR 97502, 541-664-2171.
13-16 Shirley, New York
Waldbaum's Balloon Festival at Brookhaven Airport. Contact Ann Doyle, 1140 Bloomfield Ave #209, West Caldwell, NJ 07006. 973-882-5464 or fax 973-882-7961.
13-15 Albion, New York
The Great Orleans Unique Flying Machine Expo and Hot Air Balloon Family Fest. Held at the Pinehill Airport. Contact Gene Haines, Vintage Aircraft Group, 4906 Pine Hill Rd, Albion, NY 14411, 716-589-7758, fax 716-682-0023, e-mail: pilot4906@aol.com
13-15 Ferndale, Washington
1999 Whatcom County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Contact Scott Shields, 1416 Greenville Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226. 360-671-5109.
13-15 Cody, Wyoming
Balloons 4 Fun. Contact Lynn Houze 307-527-7120 or Cheryl Shultz 307-587-6122 or write PO Box 3061, Cody, WY 82414.
13-15 Van Wert, Ohio
Hot Air Affair Balloon Festival. 40 balloons. Contact Steve Bailey, 13821 Jennings Rd, Van Wert, OH 45891, e-mail: bailey@bright.net
14-15 Winter Park, Colorado
2nd Annual Winter Park/Fraser Valley Balloon Rally. 30 balloons enjoying mountain flying at its best. Contact Sue Castellion at Grand Adventure Balloon Tours, PO Box 3423, Winter Park, CO 80482, 970-887-1340
20-22 Greenville, New York
Northern Catskills Balloon Festival, 5 flights starting Friday. 10+ balloons. Contact Bill Hughes, 246 Mountain Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, 914-635-2461, email: bhughes8@juno.com.
20-22 Willimantic, Connecticut
4th Annual Connecticut Festival of Ballooning, 20+ balloons, Downtown Music, Food, and Arts & Crafts Fair. Contact Bill Colyer, 120 Flax Rd, Fairfield, CT 06430. Ph 203-255-1929.
27-29 Columbia, Missouri
2nd United States Cellular Balloon Classic, 35 balloons, $3,000 prize money, pole grab. Contact Janie Thomas, 5212 N Oakland Gravel Rd, Columbia, MO 65202. 573-474-9360.
27-29 Baltimore, Maryland
Maryland State Fair Balloon Classic, 25 balloons and special shapes. Contact Kevin Poeppelman, 26809 Haines Rd, Clarksburg, MD 20871, 301-881-6262.
27-29 Houston, Texas
Bullunar Liftoff Festival @ NASA/Johnson Space Center, 100 balloons. Contact Steven Lombardi, 1201 NASA Rd 1, Houston, TX 77058. 713-774-2359. e-mail: TXHotAir@aol.com, Internet: http://www.ballunarfestival.com/
28-Sep 5 Bad Waltersdorf, Austria
14th World Hot Air Balloon Championships.
September
3-5 Pine Mountain, Georgia
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens.
Contact Lynda Dawson, PO Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822, 706-663-5011,
email: ltdawson@callawaygardens.com
3-6 Shreveport, Louisiana
Red River Rally-Louisiana's high-flying family fun festival. Contact Glen Moyer, Red River Rally, 1550 Airport Dr. Ste 101, Shreveport, LA 71107, Phone 318-227-2559, email: glen@redriverrally.com. Internet: http://www.redriverrally.com/
3-6 Gatineau, Quebec
12th 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
3-6 Lime Rock, Connecticut
Second annual Dodge Vintage Balloon Festival at Lime Rock State Park. Labor Day weekend, 6 flights beginning on Friday, 12+ balloons. Contact Bill Hughes, 246 Mountain Rd, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569, 914-635-2461, email: bhughes8@juno.com.
4-6 Colorado Springs, Colorado
23rd Annual Colorado Springs Balloon Classic with 120 balloons. Contact Patsy Buchwald, 328 Bonfoy Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. 719-471-4833, email: balloon@pcisys.net
4-6 Plymouth, Indiana
Marshall County Hot Air Affair, 20 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S Country Club Rd, Warsaw, IN 46580 219-267-2791.
4-5 Newman, California
Newman Fall Festival and 1999 California State Hot Air Championship. Contact Balloon Excelsior, 1241 High St, Oakland, CA 94601, phone 510-261-4222, email: balpub@vdn.com
10-12 Reno, Nevada
18th Annual Great Reno Balloon Race. 120 balloons, $20,000 prize money. Contact Marlene Olsen, GRBR, PO Box 12695, Reno, NV 89510, (702) 826-1181.
10-12 Valparaiso, Indiana
9th Annual Kiwanis Club Popcorn Balloonfest. 30 balloons. Contact Jerry Hull, 2273 S. Country Club Road, Warsaw, IN 46580, 219-267-2791.
10-12 Birch Run, Michigan
Virgin Skyrides Michigan Balloon Classic, site of tethered Virgin helium ride balloon. 30 balloons. Low corporate entry fee. Contact Craig Elliott, Michigan Balloon Corp., 248-634-9400.
11-12 Mitchell, South Dakota
8th Annual Corn Palace Balloon Rally. 50 balloons. Contact Nila Martinek, 605-996-5597.
16-19 Statesville, North Carolina
26th National Balloon Rally, 50 balloons, contact John Robinson, National Balloon Rally, PO Box 1064, Statesville, NC 28687. 704-872-1918
17-19 Victorville, California
Victor Valley Balloon Festival/California State HAB Championships. 50 balloons. Contact Dale Wong, 12345 Firethorn St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. 909-899-9844 or e-mail: dhwong@keyway.net
17-19 Plano, Texas
20th Annual Plano Balloon Festival. Invitational. 75 balloons, Arts & Craft fair, special shapes. Contact Larry Long, Plano Balloon Festival, 1507 Yorkshire Dr., Richardson, TX 75082. 972-234-2023.
18-19 Pine Bluffs, Wyoming
Limited to 20 balloons. Special shapes welcome. Travel money, hotel, propane, and lots of fun. Contact Dick Atkins email: dicky_doo2@juno.com
23-25 Augusta, Georgia
8th Annual Boshears Memorial Fly-In. 30 balloons. Contact David Fields, 1401 Waters Edge Dr, Augusta, GA 30901 Day 706-724-3543 Ext 222, eve 706-774-0085, e-mail: david@augustalimo.com
24-26 Montague, California
Montague Rotary Balloon Faire, 30 balloons. Fly next to Mt. Shasta. Contact Tony Colburn, PO Box 411, Weed, CA 96094. 530-938-2315, email: tcacolburn@snowcrest.net
24-26 Abilene, Texas
Big Country Balloon Fest. 30 balloons. Contact Susan Smart, PO Box 3502, Abilene, TX 79604. 915-695-8935
October
2-10 Albuquerque, New Mexico
28th Kodak Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 850 balloons. Contact AIBF, 8309 Washington Place N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87113, (505) 821-1000. Internet: http://www.aibf.org/
15-17 Ridgecrest, California
Ridgecrest Balloon Festival. 50 balloons. $10,000 prize fund. Contact Rob or Jetta Schantz, Balloon Tour America, PO Box 51591, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32240. 904-247-1241 or fax 904-241-1780, email: balloonmeister@juno.com
15-17 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
22-24 Hershey Park, Pennsvylvania
Hershey Park Balloonfest. Twice voted by Balloon Life readers as "The Best Balloon Event." Contact Don Dillon, 850 Meadow Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011 717-761-6895.
28-31 San Antonio, Texas
UTSA Balloonfest 99. 35 balloons, key grab, BFA sanction, $10,000 prize money. Contact Dan Sherrill, 13707 Copper Hills Dr, Manchaca, TX 78652. Phone 512-280-2558, email: aeronaut@freewwweb.com
29-31 Ft. Worth, Texas
2nd annual DFW Autumn Balloon Classic at Texas
Motor Speedway, 30 balloons, in conjunction with AutoFest. Fun flying. Contact
Debby Pfauntsch, 5313 E Best Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118, 303-660-8025, email:
debp@flash.net
November
5-7 Scottsdale, Arizona
25th Annual Thunderbird Balloon Classic. 130 balloons, including 30 special shapes. Glows, Hare & Hound competitions, prizes. Food, arts & crafts, children's area, skyjumpers, music, fireworks, entertainment. Contact Tim Matykiewicz, Thunderbird Balloon Race Office, 15249 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85306 602-978-7330. Internet: http://www.t-birdballoonclassic.com/
December
3-5 Carlsbad, New Mexico
Fifth 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 or Mak Walker, PO
Box 1091, Carlsbad, NM 88221 (505) 887-0775, email: eddycountymadd@cavemen.net
3-5 Gallup, New Mexico
20th Annual Red Rock Balloon Rally, 75+ balloons. Contact Red Rock Balloon Rally Association, PO Box 2621, Gallup, NM 87305.