BALLOON CLASSIC INVITATIONAL/
JACKSON-BELDEN FOOD FEST & FIREWORKS

The Balloon Classic Invitational is a fantastic family event that began in 1985 and was enhanced in 1995 when the event merged with the Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks.

The first Balloon Classic featured just a handful of hot air balloons and has grown so extensively that more than 75 balloons participated in the 24th anniversary event this year. Extra excitement was generated by special shape balloons such as "Piggles" the piggy bank, and  “Off the Wall” a upside down Humpty Dumpty.

Pilots participate in team racing and target drops as they vie for a prize package of $19,000.  An awesome spectacle is the pole grab where pilots guided their balloons as close as possible to the designated pole in an attempt to grab the ribbon, a feat worth $3,000 and other great prizes.  Unfortunately, no one was lucky enough to win in 2009, but hopefully we'll have a winner in 2010!   

After the sun set on Friday night, a special show began with the spectacular balloon glow.  Twenty balloons tethered on the ground and filled their balloon envelopes with propane so they glowed brightly in the night sky while choreographed to music.  On Saturday night, the balloon flight was followed by the fabulous Jackson-Belden Fireworks show, also musically choreographed and was a delight for people of all ages.

"Dawn Patrol"

An activity pilots refer to as “The Dawn Patrol”. Pilots take off in the dark and fly until the sun is shining!  These participating balloons are equipped with position lights to make the balloons visible at all times to other aircraft.  When the balloons burn, they illuminate the night sky just as they do for the evening Glow.  The balloons create a very strange appearance in the night sky especially to those on the ground never having experienced this show in the past.  If you are an early riser, you won't want to miss this!