MidUSA Ohio Challenge
When: 4 to 10:30 p.m. July 13-14; 6 to 9 a.m. July 14-15.
Where: Smith Park, Middletown
How much: $4 adults; $10 per vehicle, which includes parking, admission for all occupants and free shuttle service; Saturday and Sunday morning flights are free.
More information: www.midusaohiochallenge.com
MIDDLETOWN — For the 10th consecutive summer, hot air balloons will fly over Smith Park while the grounds will be filled with activities.
The MidUSA Ohio Challenge committee is making plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hot air balloon festival, July 13-15, said Maria Langendorf, chairwoman of the event.
She said many of the festival’s popular activities will return, including hot air balloon competition flights on Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning.
The Team Fastrax skydiving competition team, based in Middletown, will “drop in” several times during festival hours. A carnival, festival food, arts and crafts, and classic car show are planned, she said.
The evening balloon glows on Friday and Saturday nights will be combined with special 10th anniversary entertainment, she said.
The Ohio Challenge was launched after the city hosted the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships from 1992-1994 and residents asked that continuing balloon events be held in Middletown. The Ohio Challenge draws many of the best pilots in the country, Langendorf said. Last year’s Challenge was won by Nicholas Donner.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.
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