MIDFIRST OHIO CHALLENGE JOINS GOVERNOR’S TOURISM MONTH KICK OFF EVENT

by Ann Mort

Middletown based MidFirst Ohio Challenge will be among the events featured at the Ohio State House tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will hold a news conference on the State House steps at 11 am, followed by a celebration of Ohio Tourism until 2 pm.

Photo: Ohio Govenor Ted Strickland

More than 100 exhibitors, mascots, costumed characters and stage show performers will be on hand to kick off the summer tourism season. 

MidFirst Ohio Challenge hot air balloon festival was chosen to be one of the groups showcasing the exciting festivals held in Ohio each year.

According to the 2008 balloon event chairperson Maria Langendorf, “The MidFirst Ohio Challenge is a very colorful event with the hot air balloons, skydivers, entertainers and a full festival. Since balloons generally fly only early morning and early evening, we are partnering with our skydiving friends at Team Fastrax who will “drop in” on the Ohio State Tourism kickoff and we will be distributing toy balloons  and trading cards to guests at the Governor’s kick off day.”

MidFirst Ohio Challenge, now in its sixth year, has drawn up to 70,000 guests each year to Middletown.

Middletown is situated midway between Dayton and Cincinnati, just off I-75 and within easy driving distance to other major attractions such as Kings Island.

The 2008 MidFirst Ohio Challenge will be July 18-19 and 20. Event hours: Friday 4-10:30 pm, Saturday Noon-10:30 pm, Sunday Noon-7:00 pm. Admission is $2 for adults (over 12) walking into the grounds OR $5 per car regardless of number of occupants. RV’s and Buses are $25 for parking.

For more information about MidFirst Ohio Challenge, call 513-705-1770 or visit www.MidFirstOhioChallenge.com website.

Ann Mort
513-649-4506
RMort@cinci.rr.com