The 25th Anniversary of the Balloon Classic Invitational will be celebrated with 65 fantastic hot air balloons! Huge crowds will enjoy dozens of food and beverage vendors, musical entertainment, mobile tours, and children’s activities at both the Balloon Classic and Jackson-Belden Food Fest areas. This year also marks the 16th year of a cooperative agreement between the Canton Regional and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce for the Food Fest to be under the umbrella of the Enshrinement Festival, and we look forward to collaboration many years into the future.
Keep your eyes to the sky as the Little Bees will be making their first appearance at the Balloon Classic Invitational. Joey and Lilly are not so “little” but they sure are adorable! The Little Bees will not be the only giant bugs on the field! The one and only Annie the Ladybug will also fly in (no pun intended) for the event! We won’t stop there – The Pig and the The Birthday Cake will also be joining us this year! We’ve got a fantastic line-up for the 25th Anniversary!
The fourth annual Dawn Patrol will take place very early Friday morning when pilots launch in the dark and fly until it’s light enough to see landing sites – a very intriguing appearance in the night sky and a great photo opportunity! An unprecedented milestone was reached in 2010 as all six scheduled flights were able to launch–and we hope to continue our lucky streak this year!
Friday night’s activities will be capped by an illuminating balloon glow, and Saturday night concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Join us as we dazzle you with the sights and sounds of the Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks.
BALLOON CLASSIC ACTIVITIES: Hot air balloons fly best in less than 8 mph winds, and the weather must be almost perfect for these beautiful balloons to take to the skies. Pilots are briefed on weather before each and every flight; flights may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions. Helpful hints: If you’re an early bird, come check out the morning flights! For evening flights, traffic is especially heavy, so plan ahead.
RIDAY, JULY 29
5:00 AM: Dawn Patrol
6:30 AM: Media Flight
5:30 PM: Activities begin at the Balloon Classic
6:30 PM: Balloon Launch
9:30 PM: Night Glow
SATURDAY, JULY 30
6:30 AM: Media Flight
5:30 PM: Activities begin at the Balloon Classic
6:30 PM: Balloon Launch
SUNDAY, JULY 31
6:30 AM: Balloon Launch