Michigan Challenge Balloonfest returns with more than 30 participants

Patricia Alvord, Livingston Daily
·2 min read
Joseph’s Coat, at left, Superfluous and Red Headed are filled with hot air as they ready to launch Saturday, June 29, 2019.
Joseph’s Coat, at left, Superfluous and Red Headed are filled with hot air as they ready to launch Saturday, June 29, 2019.

HOWELL - For the 37th year, the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest will make its return this weekend, June 24-26, on the grounds of Howell High School, at 1200 W. Grand River Ave.

Patrons can enter the grounds from M-59, Highlander Way and West Grand River Avenue. More than 30 hot air balloons are expected to take flight. Admission is $5 per day. Children under 3 will be admitted for free and parking is free.

Additionally, a limited number of weekend wristbands are available for $10 per person at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, at 123 E. Washington St.

The Wade Shows Carnival opens  at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 23. Single tickets are available for $1.25 or a value pack of 20 for $20.  All you can ride wristbands are $25 until noon Thursday and $30 at the event.

At 2 p.m. Friday, the carnival starts. At 4 p.m., there will be an arts festival and open-air marketplace until close. The festival and marketplace will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the weekend there will be entertainment from Paradime Shift, Two Trick Pony, John Park, Kari Holmes, Magic Bus and Parted Waters Band.

Other weekend festivities include:

  • Scavenger Hunt, Friday-Sunday for $5 per person or $20 per team. Complete missions throughout downtown Howell and the Balloonfest grounds. To register, visit howell.org/balloonfest

  • Pilot meet and greet at 5 p.m. Saturday on the launch field

  • Balloon Glow at dark Saturday

  • Downtown Howell Farmers Market

On Friday, the balloon launch is set for 6 to 8 p.m., with fireworks to follow at dark. On Saturday, the balloon fly-in competition will be from 6 to 8 a.m.

The Balloons & Brews Fantasy of Lights fundraiser is from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the State Street Tent in downtown Howell. The cost is $35 per ticket, which includes 10 3-ounce tastings and one 6-ounce pour.

There's also a $50 VIP package. Attendees can also enjoy entertainment from Bash Entertainment and food trucks.

Additional information can be found on the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest website, on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact Livingston Daily reporter Patricia Alvord at palvord@livingstondaily.com about news coverage.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest returns this weekend, June 24-26