Photo gallery: Hot air balloons attack East Plano

My wife and I have attended the Plano Balloon Festival at Oak Point Park since we moved to the area, something that has its highs (proximity to balloons taking off) and lows (the crowds). We decided against going this year for various reasons; little did we realize that the balloon festival would be coming to us.

Sometime around 7 p.m, we heard what sounded like racing engines being repeatedly fired. After about the fourth or fifth time, we went outside to investigate only to be greeted with the sight of multiple balloons floating low over our neighborhood. And when I say low, I mean low -- it was obvious that they were all coming in for a landing. This was alarming since there seemed to be few, if any, places in our area that would lend themselves to such an event.

As it turns out, several balloons were able to find small grassy spots wedged between high wires and an apartment complex -- not exactly ideal in my estimation, but they made it work. Even more harrowing was the landing spot the My27 balloon chose -- the front yard of a house on 15th Street. It was unclear if these landings were completely unorthodox or standard operating procedure for the balloon festival, but they certainly caused a stir in East Plano.

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Photo of the Day: Albuquerque Hot Air Balloons

Two months in and still going strong, our 2009 Dream Trip Contest has had more than 11,000 entries so far. For inspiration for your own entry, and a chance to win a $25,000 vacation to wherever you choose, read our take on a submission that caught our eye:

Dream Trip entrant Cpriaulx shot this colorful, buoyant image during a cross-country journey that included a stop at the celebrated Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a road trip that ultimately turned Cpriaulx onto a new hobby.

"After this trip I purchased a pick-up truck so I could get into this branch of aviation," Cpriaulx writes in the Dream Trip entry "Up, Up, and Away". "A balloon ride should be on everyone's to-do list. Balloon folks are a special breed of people. Fun loving and full of life, and they want to share it all with you.

"The balloons come to Albequerque every October," Cpriaulx advises. "Make your plans now!"

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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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Hot air balloon fest photo contest

COSHOCTON - Details for the 2009 Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival Photo Contest have been finalized.

Camera buffs from around the state are invited to enter their best photo or photos featuring hot air balloons. The Balloon Festival, which is hosted by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Frontier Power Company, will be held June 5-7, at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds.

Nina Drinko, chairperson of the photo contest, has announced the following guidelines:

# All photographs must be submitted by the original photographer, along with name, address, phone number and category.

# Photos must be 5"x7", matted or mounted with a white border or background only and can not exceed 8" x 10" including border.

# Photos may be original prints or enhanced photos and will be judged separately.

# Entry deadline is 4 p.m. May 6.

# An individual may submit up to three photos per category but may not win more than one award per category aside from the People's Choice Award.

# Photographs must be in color and may be taken from areas other than Coshocton.

# By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed or printed in the 2010 calendar without fee or other compensation.

A panel of three judges will select first, second and third place winners in each category. The general public will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite photo to select one People's Choice Award. Contest winners will be announced just prior to the evening balloon launch on Saturday, June 6.

Entries can be mailed or delivered to: Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce, 401 Main Street, Coshocton, OH 43812.

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