From Ann Mort

The 10th Anniversary of the MidUSA Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival will be celebrated with even more balloons than in the past and several other special events. The Festival will be at Smith Park in downtown Middletown on Friday and Saturday evenings, July 13 & 14 from 4 to 10:30 pm; and Saturday and Sunday mornings, July 14 & 15 from 7 to 11 am.

This year’s competitive field will include 38 balloons of all colors, designs and sizes and includes three former Challenge Champions; Nicholas Donner in 2009 and 2011, David Troutman in 2010, and Scott McClinton in 2007.

Additionally, four hot air balloons will be offering complete balloon rides during the event (one flown by 2004 Champion Ron Terranova). Anyone wishing to make a reservation for the $225 per passenger flights may visit either FlyBellaBalloons.com or HotAirBaloloonRides.com.

Two more balloons will offer tethered balloon rides by the Gentle Breeze balloon company on-site at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Tether rides are offered as a good first experience in hot air ballooning. Evening tether rides will be offered on Friday and Saturday 6:45 to 9 pm and  morning rides on Saturday and Sunday 6:45 to 9 am. All balloon activities are weather permitting.

A balloon that will not be flying will be filled with cold air and open for the public to walk through to enjoy ballooning from the inside out. Called Fluff and Puff, the cold air balloon will be presented by pilots Greg Rolph and Mark Frazer.

In the evening hours, after the balloons have flown away, guests will be entertained on Friday by The Skallywags playing classic rock and new country music. A Balloon Glow, a Laser Light Show and Fireworks by Selection.com will cap off the evening.

On Saturday evening, Lunaman from WGRR Radio 103.5 fm will entertain. The evening will include another Balloon Glow and a second Laser Light Show.

Parking will be available with free shuttle service via the airport entrance at 1800 Germantown Road, Middletown. The cost is $10 per carload which includes parking, shuttle and admission for all occupants. Walk-in admission is $4 per adult. Children 12 and under are free with adult. For the first time, Premium Parking will be offered. Two-hundred inside-the-park $20 spaces are available for those who want the convenience of parking nearby. All occupants in vehicles are admitted free as a part of the parking fee. For full information:info@ohiochallenge.com, www.midusaohiochallenge.com, or 513-705-1770.