Michigan Challenge Balloonfest facts for kids

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a super fun yearly event in Howell, Michigan. It's a big festival all about hot air balloons! It started way back in 1985 and happens every year on the last weekend of June.

Lots of people come to see it, from all over Michigan and nearby states. Over 100,000 visitors often attend during the three-day weekend. The festival is put on by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. It takes place at Howell High School. Janelle Best, who leads the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, helps run the event. Phil Clinger is the "balloonmeister," meaning he's in charge of the balloons and competitions.

In 2020, the 36th Michigan Challenge Balloonfest was postponed. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was then held in 2021 instead.

What to See and Do at the Festival

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is packed with exciting things to do. It's a great place for families and friends to have fun together.

Carnival Rides and Games

The festival kicks off each year on Friday afternoon. That's when the exciting carnival opens! It's located right on Grand River. The bright lights of the carnival rides look amazing at night. You can see them from all over the downtown area.

Fireworks and Arts

Friday night also features a spectacular fireworks show. This display has been sponsored by MediLodge of Howell since 2009. There's also an Arts Festival that runs all weekend. It's held next to the Howell High School main campus. Here, you can find many vendors. They sell everything from handmade crafts to beautiful artwork.

Kids' Day Fun

Saturday morning starts early with the balloon fly-in. In downtown Howell, there's a special Kids' Day. It's held on the lawn of the historic Howell Courthouse. This event features cool demonstrations. You might see karate moves or exciting dance performances.

The Magical Balloon Glow

One of the most popular events is the night glow. This amazing show started in 1993. It happens late on Saturday night every year. After the evening balloon launch, the pilots bring their balloons back. They re-inflate them on the launch field. Then, after a countdown, all the pilots light their burners together. The crowd gets to see all the balloons glowing brightly at the same time. It's a truly magical sight!

Balloon Launches and Competitions

The festival features several mass balloon launches. These flights are always dependent on the weather. Things like rain and wind can affect if they can fly.

Friday Night Launch

On Friday night, all the balloons launch together. They take off from the main launch field. This field is located at the Howell High School Freshman Campus.

Weekend Competitions

On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, pilots take part in fun competitions. Most of the time, they fly their balloons into the main field. They try to drop a marker onto large targets. These targets are placed where balloons usually take off. They are also in other spots around the city. Many people in Howell love waking up to this impressive show. It really highlights the pilots' skill and patience.

Saturday Evening and Farewell Launches

Saturday evening has another mass launch. This is followed by the famous Balloon Glow. About 20 to 25 pilots return to the launch field. They light up their balloons in the dark evening. This always delights the crowd. Sunday evening holds a final farewell mass launch. This flight officially closes the event.

Festival Sponsors

Many different groups help make the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest possible. They provide support for the event.

Main Sponsors

Currently, the event is sponsored by Advanced Disposal, Citizens Insurance, and Howell Public Schools. MediLodge of Howell sponsors the fireworks display every year. PepsiCo is the main drink sponsor for the festival. Suburban Propane is the official propane sponsor.

Past Sponsors

In the past, major sponsors included PNC Bank, Father & Son Construction, and Cleary University.