MIDFIRST OHIO CHALLENGE DRAWS TOP HOT AIR BALLOON COMPETITORS

Forty-three hot air balloons will compete July 16-18, 2010, at the MidFirst Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon festival in Middletown Ohio for the title of 2010 Champion. In addition, two very popular special shape balloons, The Purple People Eater and Buzzy will entertain the crowds gathered at Smith Park for the 8th annual event.

This year’s field includes eleven pilots who regularly qualify for the US National Championship including the 2009 US National Champion. The list also includes five former MidFirst Ohio Challenge Champions, three father-son competing pilot families, two brothers, a husband/wife pilot team and three female pilots.

Local pilot, Dr Mark Frazer, placed second in the 2009 competition. Dr Frazer also provides the very popular cold-air “Fluff and Puff,” a chance for youngsters to jump and play on a cold-air inflated balloon on the ground.