Balloons fly over Battle Creek in national competition

For those who missed them over the Fourth of July or those who just can't get enough of the many-colored high fliers, the balloons have returned to Battle Creek.

This time it's for the 2010 Balloon Federation of America U.S. Nationals Hot Air Balloon Championship.

In the event, the top 50 pilots in the U.S compete for the $3,000 first prize. They also are looking for a national title and a chance to compete as part of the 2012 United Sates world championship team.

The competition got under way Tuesday, Aug. 24 and continues through Saturday, Aug. 28. Morning flights take off at 7 a.m.; evening flights are scheduled for 7 p.m.

From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27 and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 there will be festivities on the campus of Kellogg Community College in connection with the balloon championships. Music, food and children's activities are planned.

Balloonists can be seen in the air through Battle Creek and Calhoun throughout the competition.

This week's activities are something of a preview for championships to come. In 2011 Battle Creek will host the Pre-Worlds event and the World Championships in 2012. The chance to host the World Championship fulfills a long-held dream of Derrik Jones, of Holiday Balloon Fest of Battle Creek.

Holiday Balloon Fest formed in 1998 to promote hot air ballooning in Battle Creek and educate local youth and adults about the science and spirit of ballooning through on-site visits to local schools and balloon events.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Derrik Jones, of Holiday Balloon Fest