News Details (Posted: February 28, 2008):

Michigan Challenge Balloon Festival

Full Description:

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is held at the Howell High School complex, 1200 West Grand River Avenue. Events and entertainment are also held in downtown Howell, about a mile east of the High School. This year's event will take place Friday June 27th, Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th, 2008.

Activities at the high school launch site include balloon fly-ins and launches, Comcast skydivers, skate board exhibitions, Windjammers stunt kite shows, a medieval village, a juried arts festival, Rock-N-Roll K-9s, music, Citizens Insurance Family Fun Tent, classic cars, games, carnival rides, concerts, comedy and juggling.

Mass balloon launches take place, weather permitting, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, between 6 and 8 p.m. Early birds can arrive just after dawn on Saturday and Sunday to watch the pilots compete as they fly in to the site after launching their craft from locations in the countryside.

Serena’s Song, the world’s first handicap-accessible balloon, will take guests who use wheelchairs up for free tethered balloon rides during launch times.

New to the Michigan Challenge this year is AARP The Magazine Road Show offering health screenings, massages, product samples, contests and seminars.

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, hosts the event. Major Sponsor of the Michigan Challenge is National City Bank.

For more information on the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, call the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at (517) 546-3920 or visit michiganchallenge.com