The 2009 Battle Creek Field of Flight of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival will be held at W.K. Kellogg Airport July 1-5, 2009.
The festival will feature hot air balloon flights morning and night, one of the top 10 air shows in the United States including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet team and fireworks on July 3.
The event begins Wednesday with a balloon launch and the first of five nights of entertainment plus an opening-night party on Michigan Avenue downtown Battle Creek.
Balloon flights are scheduled morning and evening the remaining four days. The festival grounds at the airport won't be open for morning flights, which may be held in other locations. Spectators can "chase" the balloons as they fly overhead. For more information visit: http://www.bcballoons.com
Ballooning is an incredible experience for both those on the ground and those in the gondola itself. Those who operate hot air balloons in Michigan love to share it with anyone daring enough to take flight. As an avid hot air balloon pilot since 1982 and fan of Michigan's natural wonders, Scott Lorenz has been fortunate to see the beauty of Michigan from a slightly above the treetops.
"Just about every year we fly directly over a great blue heron rookery located on an island in Kensington Park's Kent Lake near Milford. It's pretty incredible to see dozens of these giant birds with their six-foot wing spans hovering around their nests. We've peered down directly into their bushel basket sized nests with one or two eggs," says Lorenz, President of Westwind Balloon Company. http://westwindcos.com/balloon/
"I flew an Ornithologist from the University of Michigan a few years ago and he helped me identify dozens of birds by sight and sound. Now I recognize the sweet call of Sand Hill Cranes half a mile away and tell my passengers to keep an eye out for them. I am fortunate to meet some incredible people in my business and learn something from every flight" "In fact, I flew the Chief Meteorologist from Ann Arbor's Weather Underground. Considering hot air ballooning is 100% weather related I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about the nuances of Michigan weather at sunrise and sunset. Lorenz has flown some notables too including Lila Lazarus from FOX-2 along with a passenger whose last wish was to fly in a balloon, which was all caught on tape by the FOX-2 helicopter in hot pursuit. Legendary Detroit guitarist Josh White even brought his guitar along for a concert in the air. "There's never a dull moment in this business"
What's the best time to go? Hot air balloons fly in Michigan May thru October. Lorenz says "springtime is nice, but summer's pretty cool too and you can't beat the fall colors in October!"
Most balloon rides last about one hour and Lorenz flies over the woods and streams of Kensington Park. He and several other pilot friends meet at Park 'n Ride area off Milford Road and I-96 (exit # 155) about 2 1/2 hours before sunset. From there he'll launch helium balloons, determine the wind direction, then take a short drive to one of nine launch sites in the area that give the best views and best landing sites downwind.
"Sometimes the landing can be like taking an elevator ride and others can be a little more exciting that's why great care is taken in making the 'go' or 'no-go' decision on each flight based upon the weather," says Lorenz"
What to wear? Lorenz suggests passengers wear tennis shoes and jeans. He says the air temp "upstairs" is within a couple degrees of ground temp so its not a factor. Cameras and video cameras are highly reccomended to preserve the once in a lifetime moments while flying over the countryside.
Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.
To really appreciate all that Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today, because if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you … the view is better from above.
To Schedule a Fight contact:
Westwind Balloon Company- Plymouth, Michigan, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 http://westwindcos.com/balloon Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.
For Hot Air Balloon Rides in Michigan Contact:
Westwind Balloon Company- Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford.
Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner- 734-667-2098 http://westwindcos.com/balloon
For Groups of 4 to 6 call Wicker Basket Balloon Center: 248-624-5137
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