The RE/MAX of Midland Balloon Festival is celebrating their 19th Anniversary September 18-20, 2009 at the Midland County Fairgrounds, which kicks off the United Way campaign in Midland. The festival will again kick off on Friday, September 18 at the Dow Diamond if wind direction permits. The launch is usually between 8:00-8:30 and is a beautiful sight to see on your way to work, school or just enjoying the day. Later that morning the pilots will visit the area elementary schools and talk about their experiences and give them a little education on hot air ballooning.

 This year we are having a special tribute to our Veterans who have served since 1991. We have decided to honor our military due to their recent re-deployment of the Local 1460th National Guard. We are also going to have Warrior One at the event. If you are not familiar with Warrior One, it is the Hummer that was used by CNN over in Iraq. It was refurbished and purchased by Dave Liniger, who is the owner of RE/MAX. I am sure this will draw a lot of attention for all who come to the festival.

Again this year back by popular demand, is KC and the Gloworms. This is a Christian band that is provided by the First Methodist Church of Midland, MI. People of all ages enjoy the band and the band does a great job getting audience participation. They will begin playing at 5:30 pm both Friday and Saturday nights. The public is invited to the Midland County Fairgrounds for all events at not charge other than a canned food item for the Food Pantry of Midland County. RE/MAX of Midland is probably the only big hot-air balloon show in Michigan that does not charge admission. This is just a reminder that THERE ARE NO RIDES GIVEN TO THE PUBLIC. The pilots take up only the sponsors and organizations that help support this event.

The best way to view this event is to come to the Midland County Fairgrounds. For safety reasons we ask that you do not follow the balloons by car or do not cross the ropes on the fairgrounds unless authorized. People like to try and get a closer look, but while the balloons are inflating and deflating this could be very dangerous.

If you would like to see what it’s like to be a crew member, you can call Casey Helmreich at   989-923-4321 and you can volunteer for a pilot that is in need for crew members. Crew members are expected to help throughout the weekend and be prepared by bringing work gloves and being in good physical health and able to lift. This is not an easy task, but very enjoying.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE BALLOON SCHEDULE:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Friday and Saturday evening at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Skydivers are scheduled at approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evening

AFTER GLOWS Scheduled for Friday & Saturday evening at DUSK

(All scheduled events are Weather Permitting)

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR CANNED FOOD DONATIONS