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 kicks off on Friday, September 18 at the Midland Center for the Arts if wind direction permits. The launch is usually between 9:00-9:30 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.

Again this year back by popular demand, is KC and the Gloworms. This is a Christian band that is provided by RE/MAX of Midland. 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 no 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 at approximately 9:00 a.m.

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