Balloon Classic Invitational
Flight Schedule (All flights are weather dependent.)
Friday, July 31: 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Night glow at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 1: 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Fireworks at 10 p.m.
Sunday, August 2: 6:30 a.m.
Location: Kent State University Stark Campus | Interactive Google Map | Get directions | Printable map
Parking: $5 (after 3 p.m.)
Surrounded by the aromas of the accompanying Jackson-Belden Food Fest, the Balloon Classic Invitational also is a feast for the eyes and ears. The whoosh of the flames firing up into the balloons and the colorful domes and offbeat shapes of the balloons draw thousands every year. More than 70 hot-air balloons are expected to participate. As in years past, expect to see specially-shaped balloons among the more traditional balloon-and-basket versions.
Early risers can see a special treat: the Dawn Patrol. During the event, at 4:30 a.m. Friday, the pilots take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to land. Equipped with position lights, the balloons are visible at all times to other aircraft. Meanwhile, their fire blasts illuminate the sky and the balloons as they glow overhead.
Balloonists from across the country will participate in races and games, competing for prizes. The event is free; parking is $5 per vehicle after 3:30 p.m.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2009
A record number of 77 sport, commercial and special-shape hot air balloons will be featured this year, including "Off the Wall" Humpty Dumpty, Piggles and Touchdown.
A special treat will be participation by the “Wizard of Oz” balloon, coming to the Enshrinement Festival as the fifth stop on a cross-country tour celebrating the 70th anniversary of the “Wizard of Oz.” The Emerald City green balloon is encircled with the Yellow Brick Road, stands more than 75-feet tall, is 55-feet in diameter, and holds 90,000 cubic feet of air. The Oz balloon also carries the 70th anniversary logo that includes Dorothy's ruby red slippers (eight and a half feet long!), and the other side of the balloon has a 30-foot tall image of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion.
GET IN ON THE ACTION
Residents of Stark County can also participate in the ballooning excitement by allowing a balloon to land on their property. To signal pilots for landing, place a white sheet in a 200 x 200 foot grassy area. The landing area must be clear of trees and power lines as well as allow enough space for the balloon to land. The pilots offer landowners the chance to win a $100 U.S. Savings Bond in appreciation of land use.
Map: Balloon Classic Invitational and Jackson Belden Food Festival
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