Howell's Balloonfest rises to expectations

Spirits were as high the hot air balloons following Friday evening's successful launch at the 25th Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell. The event ran through Sunday night.

From the midway and the food court to the launch field, visitors smiled and kept beat to the music while spending time with family and friends at the Howell High School, home of the annual balloon extravaganza.

"It's nice to see that people are still coming out in this tough economic time," said Amy Trump of Genoa Township. She attended Balloonfest with her husband, Mark, and their 7-year-old daughter, Sophie.

Their family's ritual of attending Balloonfest began when Amy was pregnant with Sophie. "The main reason (we came) was for the balloons," she said admitting they've since come to love the carnival rides and other activities just as much, including the annual Sophie caricatures, made by one of the event's featured artists.

"Balloonfest is a nice family event where you run into friends from school and your neighbors," said Amy Trump.

"And it's close to home so you don't have to drive to the other side of the state to see the balloons," Mark Trump added.

Dexter Township residents Kevin and Michelle Radcliffe began bringing their sons, Jack, now 3, and Blake, 14 months, to Balloonfest in 2008. Like most event-goers, they too are drawn by the hot air balloons. Aside from enjoying their beauty, each launch evokes memories of a balloon ride the couple took 16 years ago.

"Our favorite balloon to watch is The Phoenix because we had won a free ride in (pilot) Jody (Leatherberry's) old balloon," said Michelle Radcliffe. "It was great flying in the hot air balloon ... quiet, majestic and since it was fall, we got to see beautiful colors going over a lake."

They do not believe they'll have another chance to ride in a balloon, but the couple is already planning next year's return to Balloonfest, this time with friends.

Carnival rides

Rob and Jennifer Koch, of Brighton Township, visited Balloonfest for the first time Friday night with their sons Nollan, 5, and Nathan, 4.

The family had a great time, according to Jennifer Koch, especially with the carnival games and bumper cars.

She said, "Nollan won a Spiderman squirt gun, some teeth and a dolphin" while Nathan enjoyed the family's friendly bumper car competition.

Nathan paired with mom, while Nollan and dad were in another car. Though there were at least eight other cars to bump, drivers in both Koch cars would regularly drive around others to bump into family.

In another part of the carnival, Linda and Jim Marsh of Milford watched their 3-year-old granddaughter, Mia, on The Family Swing. "Look at her, she loves it," said Linda Marsh.

The shy, little blonde smiled 'til the ride's end before running to her grandfather's waiting arms. By the kick of her legs the Marshes knew she was ready for the next ride. "We've (already) been out here an hour," Linda Marsh laughed.

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Spirits, balloons soaring in Howell (with photo galleries & video)

Although Howell's Michigan Challenge Balloonfest has celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend, for many who attended the ballooning competition and festival Saturday it was a first-time experience.

"I've always wanted to see it," said Martha Rowley of Laingsburg, a first-time Balloonfest attendee. "I can't wait."

Saturday evening, Rowley got her chance as dozens of colorful hot-air balloons lifted into the sky amid crowd cheers. Thousands of people gathered for the balloon launches, which began at about 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of Howell High School. Pilots said the warm, low-wind weather was "perfect" for flying. (photo gallery)

Balloons are schedule to launch again tonight to conclude this year's Balloonfest, an annual event organized by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond balloons, the event offered a plethora of activities Saturday afternoon.

At the Balloonfest carnival, kids excitedly stood in line for thrill rides while others devoured "elephant ears" glossed in sugar. In the arts festival area, people perused vendor booths displaying paintings, pottery, photography and other pieces.

The Medieval village attracted significant crowds with its live sword fencing and Celtic music. Other vendors offered food, massages and crafts.

At a National City Bank booth, bank employees handed kids free balloons and let them play spin wheels for the chance to win discount coupons to downtown Howell shops.

"This year we thought, with the way the economy is, we needed to do something to bring business back into the community," said Vicki Hartman, vice president of the Howell branch of National City, which is the major sponsor of Balloonfest.

Meanwhile, there were plenty of lawn chairs and tents set up throughout the festival grounds.

Attendees, such as Linda Karrick of South Lyon, spent the afternoon relaxing under a canopy waiting for the balloon launches. She said this was the second year she attended the festival.

"I like the balloons, mostly," Karrick said. "It's a nice, relaxing day. Lots to see."

There was "lots to see" Friday, too.

While the festivals and carnival drew crowds, the main attraction was the 25th anniversary celebratory fireworks show sponsored by Medi-Lodge of Howell.

Michelle Tokan, director of Balloonfest, said the show was a hit.

"It was one of our most well-attended Friday nights," Tokan said. "It was a great evening."

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