To start off the 2009 MidFirst Ohio Challenge at Smith Park, three hot air balloons took off this morning from Hook Field. Two of the balloons were a pair of bees, known as Joey and Lily; the other was the Atrium Medical Center balloon. They started inflating at 7:00 am and were in the sky by 7:45. With destinations unknown they floated high above Middletown going wherever the wind may take them. Ann Mort told MiddletownUSA.com that the balloons planned to be up only an hour or so, and would land wherever they could find a suitable spot, most likely at a park.

The MidFirst Ohio Challenge will run from today, July 17, to Sunday, July 19, 2009. Weather permitting, the balloons will make flights Saturday morning and Sunday morning. A “balloon glow” will take place tonight and Saturday night after dark.

The festival will be open from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm today, 7:00 am – 11:00 am Saturday and again from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Sunday activities will be open from 7:00 am – 11:00 am, which will conclude this year’s MidFirst Ohio Challenge.

Saturday morning will feature  $5 all your eat pancakes, sausage links, coffee and orange drink with Chris Cakes, the Guinness World Record “Fastest Flipper”. Tethered Balloon Rides will also be available from 6:45 am – 9:00 am, weather permitting. The cost for balloon rides is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

A car show will be held Saturday evening from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Registration starts at 2:00 pm and costs $15. For more information on the car show contact Larry Herron at (513) 464-1107.

Other activities at this year’s festival will include: Team Fastrax Pro Skydiving, Arts & Crafts, Musical Entertainment, Festival Foods, Carnival Rides & Games and much more!

Admission during the evening hours (4pm – 10pm) is $5 for on-site parking or $2 for walk-in admission (12 years and older).