MidFirst Credit Union, based in Middletown, Ohio, has agreed to be the primary sponsor for the next three years of Middletown’s annual hot air balloon/skydiving festival.  The name of the event will now be MidFirst Ohio Challenge.

Barry Haller, President and CEO of MidFirst said, “MidFirst is excited to associate our name with the Ohio Challenge for the next three years. The MidFirst Ohio Challenge brings the entire community together for a fun and exciting weekend that benefits many local non-profit organizations.

Rod Hale, Chair of the MidFirst Ohio Challenge set for July 20-21-22, 2007, said, ”We are very happy to have MidFirst make a 3-year commitment. The association of the two organizations sets a positive tone for the event’s future and offers continued opportunities for local not-for-profit groups to benefit from involvement with event.”

MidFirst Ohio Challenge is a three-day festival centered around a competitive hot air balloon event and demonstration skydiving located at Smith Park in downtown Middletown. The 2007 event will include a classic car show, 5K race, geocaching, musical concerts, arts & crafts, festival foods and other attractions.

The event, now in its fifth year, has drawn approximately 70,000 guests each year to the  site which means significant economic impact for the event vendors and businesses in the Middletown area.

Other early sponsors include: Middletown Community Foundation, J P Morgan Chase/Barnitz Fund, Selection.com/Jump Institute, Middletown Journal/Cox Newspapers, The Rebel-105.9 fm, and The Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton.