by Ann Mort

MidFirst Ohio Challenge hot air balloon festival is not just hot air.  There is much more than the  37 hot air balloons and Team Fastrax skydivers planned for July 18-20 at Smith Park in downtown Middletown.  The three-day festival will also feature several top musical performers.

Friday, July 18

5:30                        Johnny B and The Gravediggers – classic rock plus a distinctive style of                               their own

6:00                        Opening ceremony featuring:

                                United Voices of Middletown Choir from Miami University Middletown                                   singing The National Anthem

                                Jerry Hughes singing America The Beautiful – formerly with Yankee Gray,                           now with gospel group Two or More

8:00-10                  Dangerous Jim and The Slims – A party style band with three horns

Saturday, July 19

12:00-3:30            Showcase of upcoming talent includes:

                                Zach & Evan Walton – second generation musicians.

                                Their father will be playing on Sunday with The Rubbles.

                                Nick Humanic & Robbie Bauer – Also second generation musicians. Their                          fathers played together with the former Bosstones band, a well known                                            regional group.

4-5:30                    Beowulf – A classic rock band from Middletown.

6-7:30                    Dave Cousino Trio -  Dave is a retired Air Force Band member now                                       promoting his latest CD Texas Wind. Brian Humanic on drums and Paul                      Sass on bass complete the trio.

8-10                        Howard and The White Boys – A top national and international Blues band                         from Chicago.

Sunday

12-2                        The Rubbles – A 60s band playing Beatles and Stones style music.

2:30-4                    Linden Davis Group – A jam band sound similar to the Allman Brothers.

5-7                          Parrots of The Caribbean – The Number 1 Jimmy Buffet tribute band who                            played recently at a Cincinnati Reds game.

Midfirst Ohio Challenge is a competition hot air balloon festival wrapped around several air-related entertainments and a full summertime festival. The competition balloons vie for prizes in twice daily flights, weather permitting. The event includes regular jumps by Fastrax Professional Skydiving Team, night time balloon glows, musical concerts by a variety of top regional groups on the outdoor stage, arts and crafts, festival foods, helicopter rides, tethered balloon rides, a walk inside a balloon on the ground, Balloon School, Kids Discovery Center, carnival games and rides, an Indian Village with drum circles and much more.