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| 2003 Ohio Challenge Media Guide |
| Thursday, July 17, 2003 9:23:26 AM - Middletown Ohio |
2003 Ohio Challenge
Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 1, 2, 3, 2003
Middletown, Ohio
Proudly Presented by
MidFirst Credit Union
Founder’s Club
Bank One NA
City of Middletown – Convention and Visitors Bureau
Middletown Community Foundation
Hosted by
Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce
1500 Central Avenue
Middletown, OH 45044
513-422-3611
Contact numbers –
During Event -
General information – 513-675-3582 – (OK to publish)
Media assistance during event - Ann Mort - 513-604-0319 (Please do not publish)
Pre-event -
Ann Mort - 513-424-2038, Rmort@cinci.rr.com
Emily Harris, Balloon Event Director – 513-422-4551, Emily@mmvchamber.org
Website: www.ohiochallenge.com
SPONSORS
PROUD PRESENTING SPONSOR
MIDFIRST CREDIT UNION
Founder’s Club
Bank One NA,
City of Middletown-Convention & Visitors Bureau
Middletown Community Foundation
Supporting Sponsors
Middletown Journal – Official Information Source –
Newspaper Partner
Time Warner Cable - Cable Television Partner
WPFB AM & FM – Radio Partner
With Help From:
All About Pet Care
Alpine Printing
Bethart Printing
Butler Tech
Cincinnati Bell Wireless
Cristo Homes
Daniel Doty Family
Destiny’s Catering & Banquet Facilities
Dickerson Distributing
Dillman Foods
Employee Benefit Service of Dayton
First Financial Bank
Innovative Fiber Optic Solutions
Krispy Kreme Donuts
Lebanon Citizens National Bank - LCNB
Manchester Inn & Conference Center
McDonalds – Breiel Blvd & Verity Pkwy
Mobilcomm Communication
Rumpke
University Baptist Church
Individual balloons are sponsored by several area businesses – see pilot listing
Thank you:
Area Police and Fire Departments
Cooperating landowners
Federal Aviation Administration
Government agencies in Warren, Preble, Butler and
Montgomery Counties
Miami Valley Aviation
Middletown City Employees
TV Middletown
Volunteeers who make it all work….thanks!
WORKING TO MAKE IT WORK
Ohio Challenge 2003 Executive Committee
Chairman: Dave Pearce, Bank One, NA
Vice-Chairman: Dan Sack, The Fouth R of
Southwestern Ohio
Event Director: Emily Harris, Mid-Miami Valley
Chamber of Commerce
Balloon Event: Dr. Mark Frazer,
Summit Family Physicians
Balloon Event: James Wannemacher,
Triple J Investments
Publicity: Ann Mort, Good News Magazine
Production Committee:
Art Director: Sam Ashworth, Good News Magazine
Arts & Crafts Show: Lisa Pearce,
Cincinnati Financial
City of Middletown: Ginger Smith
City of Middletown: Maria Langendorf
Clean Up: Della Ewalt,
Keep Middletown Beautiful
Entertainment: Denise Pressler,
First Financial Bank
Family Fun Tent: Marla Marsh,
Middletown City Schools
Family Fun Tent: Monica Marsh,
Middletown City Schools
Food Booths: Beth Knueppel, AK Steel Co.
Hospitality: Sheri O’Flynn,
Middletown Regional Hospital
Hospitality: Wendy Parks,
Middletown Regional Hospital
Landowner Relations: Walter Leap, Realtor
On-Site Communication: Rod Hale,
Trenton Chief of Police
Parking: Tom Kerr
Security: Bill Becker, Middletown Chief of Police
Site/Staging: Kathy Jones,
Middletown City Schools
Site/Staging: Tiger Jones, Community Volunteer
Souvenirs/Information Booth: Ginger Bruggeman,
Middletown Area United Way
Souvenirs/Information Booth: Karen Carroll,
Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce
AT A GLANCE
Event: Ohio Challenge
Hot air balloon competition event
Date: August 1,2,3, 2003
Time: Gates open
Friday – 2 pm to 10 pm
Saturday – 6 am to 10:30 pm
Sunday – 6 am to 10 pm
Flights: Weather permitting, all flights leave at approximately 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Extras: Activities scheduled throughout the day. Juried arts and crafts show; live entertainment; the most popular local festival foods; carnival rides; many, many other attractions
Site: Smith Park (site of the Nationals), downtown Middletown, Ohio. Exit I-75 at SR 122
(Exit 32) and follow signs to downtown Middletown. Middletown is mid-way between Dayton and Cincinnati, just off I-75 with easy access to many area attractions.
Cost: Free entry to launch and festival site.
One-time $5 fee for nearby and on-site parking.
Organized by: Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce, 1500 Central Ave, Middletown, OH 45044
Sponsors: A combined, public/private project, the Ohio Challenge will bring together government, business, non-profit groups and individuals working together for the good of the total community.
Why it is special: Middletown was the site of the 10-day, U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships in 1992, 1993 and 1994 when the top 100 hot air balloon pilots flew in competition to win the national title and qualify for world events.
That very popular event planted the seeds which now are blooming as an annual top quality hot air balloon sanctioned competition. The best 30 regional hot air balloon pilots will compete for points toward their national standings.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
NOTE: All events are “weather permitting.” Even a bright sunny day with picture perfect weather may be too breezy for a balloon launch. Balloons take to the air only if the wind speed is under 10 miles per hour and no other dangers are predicted for the flight time. Launch times are approximate.
Friday – August 1
2–11 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival
4–10 pm – Crafts by the Canal
4-9 pm – Family Fun Tent - Free children’s activities-
sponsor-First Financial Bank
6:00 pm – Opening ceremony
6:30-7:30 pm – Mass Balloon Launch
7:30-9:30 pm – Scotty Bratcher Band
sponsor-McDonald’s -Breiel Blvd/Verity Pkwy
Saturday – August 2
6-10 am – Bulls Run Ramblers Volksmarch,
Departs from city parking on Broad Street
6:30-8:00 am– Balloon fly-in competition
8-9 am – Model Glider Airplane demonstration
9-10 am – Radio Controlled Model Airplane demo
10 am – 10 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival
10 am – 10 pm – Crafts by the Canal
11 am – 10 pm – Historical Village of Middletown
sponsor-Daniel Doty Family
11 am – Noon – Dog Agility Team
sponsor-All About Pet Care
11 am – 9 pm – Family Fun Tent
sponsor - First Financial Bank
Noon-12:45 pm – Square Dance show
1 pm – Volksmarch concludes at Smith Park
1-5 pm – Queen City Paddle Boats on Smith Pond
1:30-2 pm – Historic Middletown -
sponsor -Daniel Doty Family
3-4 pm – Dog Agility Team –
sponsor- All About Pet Care
4:30-5:30 pm – Model Glider Airplane demo
5:30-6:30 pm – Model Radio Controlled Airplane demo
6:30-7:30 – Mass balloon launch
7:30 – Dave Lapham, Sportscaster and former Cincinnati
Bengal represents Presenting Sponsor
MidFirst Credit Union at Ohio Challenge.
7:30-9:30 pm – Systems Go – Air Force Band of Flight
sponsor -Butler Tech
9-9:45 pm – Balloon Glow
Sunday – August 3
6:30-8 am – Balloon Fly-in Competition
8-10 am – Sunrise Community Church Service –
sponsor-University Baptist Church
10-11 am – Hoskins Family Gospel Sing
11 am-6 pm – Crafts by the Canal
11- Noon – Dog Agility Team
sponsor- All About Pet Care and Super Pets
11 am-5 pm – Family Fun Tent
sponsor- First Financial Bank
11 am – 6 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival
11am – 5 pm – Historic Village of Middletown –
sponsor -Daniel Doty Family
Noon-2 pm – Bluegrass Jam
2-4 pm – Danny Davis Band
3-4 pm – Dog Agility Team
sponsor- All About Pet Care
4-4:30 pm – Laura Garcia Cloggers
5-6 pm – Elks Lodge Dancers
6:30-7:30 – Mass balloon launch
Family Fun Tent Schedule
(Tent closes during balloon launches)
Friday, August 1
4 - 5:30 pm - Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
5:30 - 6 pm - "Stan the Magic Man"
7:30 - 8 pm - Cloggers Demonstration
8:- 8:30 pm - Storytelling - Abe Lincoln –
performed by Jim Crabtree
8:30 - 9 pm- Arts & Crafts
Saturday, August 2:
11 am – 1pm- Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
1- 1:30 pm - Kris Vaughn - "How to take care of a pet"
1:30 - 3 pm - Arts & Crafts
3 - 3:30 pm - "Stan the Magic Man"
4 - 4:30 pm - Laura Garcia's Cloggers
4:30 - 6 pm - Arts & Crafts
Sunday, August 3:
11 am - Noon - Arts & Crafts
Noon - 12:30 pm - Storytelling - Abe Lincoln –
performed by Jim Crabtree
1 - 1:30 - Kris Vaughn - "How to take care of a pet"
1:30 – 3 pm - Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
Crafts by the Canal
Several artisans will offer their work for sale throughout the event.
OFFICIAL SOUVENIRS/INFORMATION
Volunteers will offer local information and a copy of the free balloon program produced by Middletown Journal
Official souvenirs include:
Ohio Challenge 2003 collector enameled pins - $5
Lighted Dazzle Sticks - $5
Official logo t-shirts –
White - $10
Red - $15
Ohio Challenge jewelry by Roger’s Jewelers
Sterling Silver hot air balloon charm - $19.99
Silver charm bracelets – 7 or 8 inch length - $24.99 to $31.99
Post style silver balloon earrings - $59.99
14k gold hot air balloon charms - $39.99 and $59.99
FOOD
Enjoy the best of festival foods prepared and served by local non-profits, or by a professional food vendor who is sharing their profits with a Middletown area non-profit organization
Pepsi Products/Water –
City of Middletown Employees
Corn on the Cob/Fried apple Rings –
Middletown Board of Realtors
Smoked Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef Brisket,
Chicken, Cole Slaw, Chips –
Back2Back Ministries
Nachos & Cheese –
Nine Year Girls Select Soccer
Breakfast & BBQ Sandwich/Chips, BBQ Ribs,
Green Beans, Potatoes, Coleslaw, Roll –
American Legion
Pizza, Walking Tacos, Pretzels, Coffee, Candy –
Middletown Christian Foundation
Floats, Sundaes and Novelties –
Middletown Christian Church
Ice Cream Bars, Frozen Candy Bars, Juice Bars –
Middletown Ohio Seniors
Funnel Cakes –
Middletown Lyric Theater
Caramel Apple Chips, Ribbon Fries, Italian Sausage –
Let’s Read Together
Flavored Ice –
New Life Temple Youth Ministry
Jug Hamburgers, French Fries, Onion Rings,
Root Beer Floats –
Light Up Middletown
Cotton Candy –
Family Services
THE BALLOON PILOTS
PIC – Pilot in Command
John Burns
Napoleon, OH
Painless Too
550 PIC hours/16 years
Avian 1997
Dentist
Ballooning is a family affair. Both John and Betty fly balloons. Daughter Johnna is a student pilot. Two sons are long-time crew members, now both are students at OSU.
Sponsored by: River Valley Credit Union
Dave Champion
Paxton, IL
Starburst
138 PIC hours
Lindstrand 2002
Champion has been competing for three years and has flown in several areas of the U.S. and competed in a 10 day Canadian event last year.
Sponsored by: Polished Image
Rick Cusick
Lima, OH
Arrythmia
820 PIC hours
Cameron 1998 model
Cusick’s distinctive heartbeat design balloon is a favorite at many midwestern events.
Sponsored by: the Fourth R of Southwestern Ohio
Dennis Deis
Kettering, Ohio
Rainbows End
2,800 PIC hours/ 20 years
Cameron
Denny was a popular pilot at the 1992-94 Nationals in Middletown. He and his balloon were the subjects of a limited edition lithograph by artist P. Buckley Moss.
Sponsored by: Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co.
Jay Doty
Carmel IN
Troovie
Aerostar 1994
130 PIC Hours
Jay is coming home. He lived in Springboro during the early 1980s and so is very familiar with the Mid-Miami Valley area.
Sponsored by: Bank One, NA
Michael C. Emich
Akron, OH
Columbia
Aerostar 1993
1117 PIC hours
Lieutenant in the Akron Fire Department
An expert skydiver, scuba diver, sailer, and award-winning balloonist, Emich has designed and built his own hot air balloons and restored WWII Navy gas balloons. He was presented the Balloon Federation of America’s highest award in American ballooning, the Shields-Trauger Award.
Sponsored by: Peter A. Towne Physical Therapy,
Mark Frazer
Middletown, OH
Release
Cameron 1993
350 PIC hours
Physician
A local balloon pilot and member of the Ohio Challenge executive committee, Dr. Frazer also serves as president of the Middletown City Schools Board of Education. His longest hot air balloong flight has been 250 miles.
Sponsored by: MidFirst Credit Union
Laurie Givin
Oregonia, OH
Remax
Lindstrand 2001
700 PIC hours
Sponsored by: Remax
Paul L. “Homer” Frick
Edinboro, PA
Just A Dream
Aerostar 1988
280 PIC hours
Sponsored by: Towne Point Senior Living
Alvin Hansen
Winamac, IN
The Hot Air Affair
150 PIC hours
Cameron 1994
This past winter, Hansen flew a “long jump” from Bismark, ND to Chicago, IL, a total of 710 miles in 7 hours.
Sponsored by: Mount Pleasant Retirement Village
Don Hamilton
Sponsored by: Dayton Technologies
Rick Kohut
Louisville, OH
Wind Trek
200 PIC hours/5 years
Avian 2000
Clinical Director of Pastoral Counseling Services
Kohut not only flies for enjoyment, he won Rookie of the Year honors in 2001 from the NOBPA ballooning association. He has also served his fellow pilots as a board member and president of the NOBPA organization.
Sponsored by: Sawyer Realtors
David Lowe
Milwaukee, WI
Lindstrand 1997
1117 PIC hours/29 years
Mosaic Magic
A leader in hot air balloon circles for many years, Lowe was chosen to fly from the center of Philadelphia during the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration.
Sponsored by: Greg Martin Excavating, Inc.
Craig Lucas
Chagrin Falls, OH
Bolero
The Balloon works - 1995
267 PIC hours
A balloonist with a sense of humor, he named his balloon after the musical piece featured in the movie “10.”
Sponsored by: Middletown Area Senior Citizens, Inc.
William Mason
Middletown OH
Black Beauty
85 PIC hours/9 years
Cameron 1990
Tax Accountant
Mason was bitten by the hot air ballooning bug at the U.S. National competitions held in Middletown in 1992-94 and has been flying since then around the Middletown area.
Sponsored by: Rogers Jewelers
Robert Mihaly
Lakewood OH
Boojum
Cameron 1994
533 PIC hours/ 18 years
Cameron 1994
He participated in all three of the BFA Nationals held in Middletown in 1992-94, and has served as board member of NOBPA. To thank farmers for the use of their land for balloon launch and landing sites, he has helped double the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Darwin Bryan Scholarship Fund.
Sponsored by: Towne Mall/CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.
Fred Muffet
Akron, OH
Shapes
Avian 2002
Storage facility builder and owner
Fred was named Rookie of the Year at the Balloon Federation of American national competition in 1979. He now promotes safe ballooning by giving presentations to first responders who may held in balloon emergencies.
Sponsored by: The Waterford at Fairfield
Jeff Pestun
Zeeland, MI
Fantasy
145 PIC Hours/11 years
An avid balloonist since age eight, Jeff attended all three US Nationals in Middletown as a crew member.
Sponsored by: Flowers by Roger, Inc.
Bob Rice
Newark OH
Sean’s Balloon
Avian 2002
143 PIC hours
Sponsored by: Miller Insurance, Inc.
Ron Terranova
Fairfield, OH
Adam’s Nirvana
Aerostar 1990
220 PIC hours/ 11 years
Architect
A first balloon experience in 1984 helping pack up a balloon led to full crew status by the next weekend. He crewed the full 10 days at the first U.S. National held in Middletown, and was soon a student pilot. In 1992, he flew a “long jump” from Indianapolis to Harrison, OH at 10,000 feet in less than 2 1/2 hours for the 100 mile trip.Terranova is ranked 162 in the nation.
Sponsored by: Robinson Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Brian Trapp
Oregonia, OH
Remax
Lindstrand 2001
1800 PIC hours
Sponsored by: Remax
James Wannemacher
Middletown Oh
Waywood Wind
600 PIC
T& C 1997
As a local pilot and businessman, Wannemacher also serves on the executive committee of Ohio Challenge. He often helps organize local balloon events.
Sponsored by: Consolidated Business Products
Terry Wasson
Chagrin Falls, OH
Free Spirit IV
The Balloon Works 1991
PIC hours 500/ 27 years
Long-time balloon pilot Wasson, was ranked 23rd in the NABA 2002 ratings.
Sponsored by: Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, Inc.
Ted Watts
Meadville, PA
Legal Eagle
Avian, 1995
200 PIC hours
He has served as chairman of a hot air balloon rally since 1988.
Sponsored by: Miller Brewing Company
Gordon Wirt
Lexington, KY
Sweetish Ivy
Raven 1987
300 PIC hours
A pilot since 1984, Gordon flew in Middletown during the National Championships.
Allen Yost
Midlethian, IL
Spectrum
800 PIC hours
TBW 1992
Sponsored by: Woodside Cemetery Association
Debby Young
Chesterland, OH
Dulcinea
Aerostar 1990
250 PIC hours
Young placed second at the Wildhorse Womens Shootout in Pendleton, Oregon in 2002. She set the
Feminie World Records Distance Duration record in 2001.
Sponsored by: PCC Internet Group
Robert Zanella
Barberton, OH
PADA
3200 PIC hours
Avian 1994
A long-time pilot, Zanella takes his message to the skies. As a pharmacist, he reminds viewers that he is a PADA - Pharmacist Against Drug Abuse
Sponsored by: Cohen Brothers
HOW WE GOT HERE
2,000 years of Hot Air Ballooning
With interest building for over 2,000 years, hot air ballooning is a popular sport, for the pilots and crew and for the spectators. Whether you enoy the competition of the event--tossing a bean bag as close as possible to the center of a huge “X” on the ground as you float by-- or just enjoying the beauty of watching the hot air filled bags of rip-stop nylon float across the sky, ballooning is one of those sports everybody can enjoy.
In 300 BC, the Greek mathematician Archimedes, determined the principle of ballooning – the idea that less dense air will rise and heated air expands which makes it less dense. The first humans in flight occurred about 800 AD. Of course, the early pilots did not repeat. They were caught flying over Lyons, France and were charged as sorcerers and put to death. In 1783, the brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier tested a theory that smoky hot air would lift a payload by sending a sheep, a chicken and a duck on a short hot air balloon flight. The sheep kicked the chicken and broke its wing, hense the first hot air balloon accident. That same year, a manned test flight took place over Paris when two men, Pilatre de Rozier and Marquis D’Arlandes, rose 80 feet off the ground.
The first American balloon flight was Jan 9, 1793 over Philadelphia. Pilot Jean Pierre Blanchard carried a letter from George Washington, a permission slip of sorts, in case he landed in unfriendly territory.
Balloons have been used as observer aircraft during the Civil War and by Napoleon’s army, for the study of atmospheric conditions, and helped with the first aerial photographs of the U.S. In the1950s, recreational balloon flights came into their own.
In the early 1990s, the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held in Middletown. Now, hot air ballooning is returning to the Mid-Miami Valley in the form of Ohio Challenge, an annual competitive hot air balloon festival.
BALLOONING 101
Hot air balloons are built from rip-stop nylon, the same material used to make parachutes. In effect, hot air balloons are giant parachutes, so unless there is a major rip in the top of the balloon, they will float gently to the earth if they lose power. The big round part is called the envelope. Beneath the envelope hangs a wicker basket for the pilot and passengers. A burner, fueled by propane, heats the air which makes the balloon rise. There is no steering wheel and no brake system in a balloon. Steerage is strictly by air current. The wind blows in different directions at different altitudes. Heat the air inside the balloon to go higher, to catch a wind going the direction you want, or let the air inside the balloon cool a bit to descend for a different air current.
Balloonists choose their take off points based on their knowledge of wind currents to take them where they want to go.
Balloon competitions are not races – balloons can go only as fast as the wind is blowing. Their competition is based on how well they read maps and weather indicators to reach a pre-determined point, drop a 3 1/2 ounce bean-filled baggie with a tail of rip-stop nylon and fly on to land. The pilot whose marker – carrying the pilot’s competition number - is nearest the center of the huge “X” on the ground gains points. Targets are made of material 1 meter wide and 8 meters long – laid out in the form of an “x”.
Rules of the “road” –
Pilots cannot fly before official sunrise or after official sunset.
When competing, no part of their basket or balloon may touch the ground or water until the balloon has traveled at least 500 feet beyond the target.
All pilots must be licensed and insured.
All pilots must attend a briefing before each flight where they hear the latest weather, air traffic and safety information.
They also learn what their task will be. There are many tasks, just to make it more difficult and interesting.
Official scoring people “observers” ride in each balloon chase vehicle and officials on the ground at each marker, measure the closest marker.
Prohibited Zones: Red zones are marked on pilot maps to denote restricted airspace and must be observed by flying at a particular altitude over those areas. Yellow zones may not be used for landings or take-offs.
Balloons sometimes bump in the air or “kiss” which causes no harm. However, pilots must avoid bumping another balloon with any non-fabric part of their equipment. The higher balloon has the responsibility for trying to avoid any collision
COMPETITION TASKS
Pilot competition tasks may include one or more of the following during a single flight:
PDG – Pilot Declared goal. Each pilot selects a map coordinate as a personal goal. The pilot writes the map coordinates and a description of the goal and turns it into the race officials before the flight begins. Pilots then launch all together from the same area and attempt to reach their personal goal to throw their markers as near that goal as possible.
JDG – Judge declared goal. All pilots launch from the same general area with boundaries set by the officials. Each pilot will attempt to reach the same target and many will arrive at the same time tojockey for position.
MJDG – Multiple Judge Declared Goal – Several targets will be set in the area. Each pilot will choose a goal to use as a personal target. Pilots choose a target while in flight and drop a marker as near as possible to the center of the “X”.
ELBO – Each pilot will fly from the same general launch area and attempt to achieve the greatest change of flight direction during the flight. Pilots will take off from spot A, drop a marker at point B and again at point C. By drawing an angle using the three points, the pilot with the smallest angle in flight will score highest.
HNH - Hare and Hound. A single balloon will fly away to land and place a target on the ground. All other balloons will attempt to fly to the same spot to drop a marker on the Hare’s target.
FIT – Fly in Task. Pilots find their own launch areas and attempt to reach a set point. Maximum and minimum launch limits are set. For instance, all competitors may be required to travel at least 5 miles from the goal to launch but no more than 10 miles.
FOT – Fly on Task – Each pilot declares a goal to which he flies after dropping a marker in another task.
GBM – Gordon Bennett Memorial – Pilots attempt to drop markers within a designated area with definite boundaries. No points are scored for those who do not land a marker within the defined area.
WSD – Watership down . A two part task, pilots will find their own launch sites and fly to a target. At a specified time, a hare Balloon will take off adjacent to a target. Pilots must drop one marker at the target location and then flay on to the Hare’s landing spot to drop a second marker.
MAX – Maximum Distance. Pilots must drop a marker within a defined scoring area. They choose their own launch sites as far as possible away from the target. The pilot scoring highest on this tast will be the one who travels the longest distance and is still able to drop a marker within the scoring area.
MIN – Minimum distance. Pilots will attempt to fly the shortest distance within a definite period of time. Many will stay near the ground for this task to avoid higher winds at higher altitudes. An additional penalty for touching the ground during this task is imposed.
CRAT – Calculate Rate Approach Task – Pilots must drop markers at a target within a limited time period. Points are scored for only those pilots whose markers are dropped within the scoring area during the very short period of time.
LRT – Land Run Tasks – Pilots will attempt to achieve the greatest area of a triangle from the launch point to two other points.
STFT – Shortest Flight Task – competitors fly from a designated launch area and drop a marker in a scoring area. Winner of this task will have the shortest distance from launch point to marker drop point.
MDDD – Maximum Distance Double Drop – Pilots must fly from a designated launch area and drop their markers as far apart as possible within the scoring area.
MNDD – Minimum Double Drop. Competitors fly from a designated launch area and drop their markers as close together as possible in different scoring areas.
Many target areas will be set at roadway intersections unobstructed by trees or power lines. Often, two or more of the preceeding tasks will be combined to make the competition more interesting and difficult.
October 29, 2002
For more information call: Emily Harris at 513-422-4551
HOT AIR BALLOON EVENT PLANNED FOR MIDDLETOWN
Save the first weekend in August, 2003. Hot air balloons will decorate the skies over Middletown for three days during the first of what is planned as an annual hot air balloon event.
Already the City of Middletown, the Middletown Community Foundation and the Barnitz Fund have agreed to support the event. Additional sponsors are being sought for various elements of the event including sponsorships for individual balloons.
Middletown Community Foundation has agreed to donate $15,000 per year for three years to help the event develop a firm funding system. Kay Wright, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, “Everyone has talked about how wonderful the balloons were and how the balloon event gave such a positive image to the area. We think this is a good opportunity to bring back the balloons and that positive image to Middletown.”
The City of Middletown has also pledged $15,000 per year for three years. Mayor David Schiavone said, “The City of Middletown is very happy to once again partner with the Middletown Community Foundation on another project that benefits the Middletown community. The balloon competition is a great event for people of all ages. We look forward to making this competition a yearly event in the city of Middletown.”
The Barnitz Fund, managed by Bank One NA, has pledged $5,000 per year for three years.
Hot air balloons have been popular in Middletown since the US National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held here in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Many area residents have expressed the hope that a hot air balloon event would again be held here.
The 2003 event, planned for August 1, 2, 3 in Smith Park will likely include 30 or more balloons in a sanctioned competition, according to David Pearce, chairman of the event. The Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce and local hot air balloon pilots are working together to plan an exciting and interesting event to benefit the entire community.
The family-oriented event will provide local clubs and organizations with fund-raising opportunities as it promotes the quality of life in Middletown and the Mid-Miami Valley area. Local non-profit groups can earn funds for their treasuries as food vendors and by providing needed services for the event. In addition, many volunteer crew members and on-site support people will be needed to make the event successful.
Elements of the event include hot air balloon flights as weather permits, an evening balloon glow, entertainment of many types, a juried arts and crafts show, carnival rides and other elements. Organizers hope other entertainment and attraction venues in the area will coordinate with them to plan several entertainment opportunities for guests.
Hosted by the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Balloons in Middletown organizing committee members are: Balloon Event Chairman David Pearce of Bank One, NA; Balloon Event Vice-Chair Dan Sack owner of The Fourth R of Southwestern Ohio; Dr. Mark Frazer, Summit Family Physicians and hot air balloon pilot; Emily Harris, Chamber event director; James Wannemacher, Triple J Investments and hot air balloon pilot; and Ann Mort, Good News Magazine.
Anyone who wishes to be involved in the planning or production of the event is asked to contact Emily Harris, Chamber balloon event director, at 513-422-4551.
December 30, 2002
LOCAL GROUPS TO BENEFIT FROM OHIO CHALLENGE BALLOON EVENT
Vendors, artists, craftspeople, service organizations and volunteers are being sought for the Ohio Challenge hot air balloon event being planned in Middletown, Ohio for August 1,2,3, 2003.
The first-year event is not the first time major hot air ballooning has been hosted in Middletown. During 1992, 93 and 94, the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held at the same Smith Park location in downtown Middletown. The Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce is responding to the community interest in the sport by hosting this “Ohio championship” hot air balloon event.
Emily Harris, Chamber Balloon Event Director, said, “ When the 30 to 50 balloons arrive in Middletown for the three-day competition, many support services will be needed for a large number of visitors who come to see the balloons and enjoy the festival events. We hope many non-profit organizations and arts and crafts vendors will benefit from this community event. ”
Up to 20 non-profit organizations are invited to serve as food vendors at the Smith Park site which is equipped with electricity and water service. A 10 foot booth space will cost the organization $200 for the three days. Vendors may supply their own tent or rent a suitable tent through a Chamber supply source. Chair of the food booth operation is Beth Knueppel, an engineer at AK Steel.
Artists and Crafters are invited to sell their items in a special juried arts and crafts area. The 10 foot spaces will rent for $110 for the three days. Those submitting applications will be asked to send a photo of the items they expect to sell in their booth. Rita Blevins, manager of Check Smart, will chair the arts and crafts show.
Local non-profit organizations will be “hired” to serve as parking lot attendants and possibly other on-site service providers.
Dan Sack, owner of the Fourth R, is chairing the sponsorship committee. Businesses and organizations may sponsor an individual balloon or specific portion of the event, such as on-site performers, balloon pilot receptions or specific services. An individual balloon sponsorship is $500.
As many area people will remember, hot air balloonists often require volunteer crew members. Competitive balloon events are judged by trained volunteer “observers.” Some past volunteers may want to come “out of retirement” and sign up now to be on the crew or observer list of volunteers.
For application forms, additional information and deadline dates or to sign up for any of the volunteer opportunities, please call the Chamber office at 422-4551 or email Emily Harris at Emily@mmvchamber.org
February 25, 2003
BALLOON LAUNCH AND LANDING SITES SOUGHT FOR AUGUST EVENT
Local realtor Walter Leap is chairing a committee currently updating pilot maps for the expected 30-50 hot air balloon pilots who will compete in the Ohio Challenge hot air balloon event August 1,2,3, 2003 in Middletown.
Leap’s Landowner Relations Committee will be verifying with owners of area property their willingness to allow hot air balloon pilots to launch the aircraft from their property and/or land there during the event. Property owners who wish to host the 15-30 minutes of activity on their property during the event are asked to contact Leap’s office at 513-425-7010.
According to Leap, balloon launch sites need not be much larger than a backyard, but must be free of dangerous obstructions such as high tension electrical lines. Since balloons rise vertically, there is no need for runway space. A space accessible from the roadway for the balloon chase vehicle and balloon trailer and large enough to stretch out the deflated balloon is adequate.
Properties with 2-3 acres of accessible space are popular when several balloon pilots want to launch from the same location to take advantage of favorable winds blowing toward their target site. Each balloon is followed by its own chase crew who are needed at the landing site to help pack up the deflated balloon and basket.
Leap and his daughter, Utawna Leap who served on the Landowner Relations Committee during the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships held in Middletown during the early 90’s, will lead a group seeking take off and landing sites in a 5-10 mile radius of the Smith Park event site in downtown Middletown.
They would like to arrange as many sites as possible before the event begins to allow pilots many options when they choose their launch and landing sites for each of the five flights to be held during the three day event. However, the standard signal to a hot air balloon pilot that he or she is welcome to land on a particular property remains the bedsheet spread on the ground. Pilots always look for those signals to designate a friendly landing spot.
A combined, public/private project, the Ohio Challenge will bring together government, business, non-profit groups and individuals working together for the good of the total community.
Early major sponsors include:
Middletown Community Foundation
Bank One NA
City of Middletown
Hosted by the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Balloons in Middletown organizing committee members are: Balloon Event Chairman David Pearce, Senior Vice-president of Bank One, NA; Balloon Event Vice-Chair Dan Sack owner of The Fourth R of Southwestern Ohio; Dr. Mark Frazer, Summit Family Physicians and hot air balloon pilot; Emily Harris, Chamber event director; James Wannemacher, Triple J Investments and hot air balloon pilot; and Ann Mort, Good News Magazine.
Anyone who wishes to be involved in the planning or production of the event is asked to contact Emily Harris, Chamber balloon event director, at 513-422-4551. ####
April 1, 2003
THE BALLOONS ARE COMING BACK TO MIDDLETOWN
COMMITTEES NAMED FOR OHIO CHALLENGE HOT AIR BALLOON EVENT
Committee chairs were announced at a recent meeting of the Ohio Challenge hot air balloon planning committee. In introducing the chairpeople, Ohio Challenge 2003 chairman David Pearce described the event as the answer to that on-going question heard in Middletown, “When are the balloons coming back?” His answer is “Now!” According to Pearce, the popular US National Hot Air Balloon Championships held in Middletown during 1992-1994, created so much good will and community pride that his committee is now bringing back an annual hot air balloon competition to the area. The Ohio Challenge will be held at Smith Park in downtown Middletown August 1,2,3, 2003.
Committee members were assured that the event will be an annual happening in Middletown. Everyone was reminded that major sponsors are making a 3-year commitment of financial support. By designing the event to include many non-profit organizations, the entire community will benefit from the three-day event. No personal admission will be charged to enter the site, only a one-time $5 parking fee for on-site or nearby lots will help defray the costs of operation from year to year. Sponsors are covering the cost of all entertainment and balloon expenses.
Dan Sack, chairperson-elect for the 2004 Ohio Challenge, is sponsorship chairperson in 2003. He announced founding sponsors Bank One, NA; City of Middletown and the Middletown Community Foundation. Of the 30 balloons expected to compete at the event, only seven remain to be sponsored. A few entertainment groups and featured events are still available for sponsorship.
Balloon Event Director Emily Harris is coordinating the daily work of the project and introduced each committee chairperson as she described plans for the non-alcohol family event which will include balloon launches (weather permitting), entertainment, a juried arts and crafts show, carnival and day-long activities.
There will be space for 24 food booths on site with a few spaces still available. Food booth slots are reserved for non-profit agencies who may cook and serve the food themselves or make arrangements with a professional food vendor to represent them. Cost for a food booth space begins at $200.
A booth space for the juried Arts and Crafts show is $110. Vendors are being selected based on the quality of the hand-made items being offered for sale. Application blanks are available through the Chamber of Commerce at 422-4551.
Committees and their projects are:
Souvenirs/Information Booth – Karen Carroll, Chamber and Ginger Bruggeman, United Way
Clean up – Della Ewalt, Keep Middletown Beautiful
Food Booths – Beth Knueppel, AK Steel
Family Fun Tent - Monica and Marla Marsh, Middletown City School principals
Balloon Event – Dr. Mark Frazer, Summit Family Physicians and James Wannemacher, Triple J Investments
City of Middletown Coordination – Ginger Smith and Maria Langendorf, City of Middletown
Arts & Crafts – Lisa Pearce, Cincinnati Financial
Hospitality – Sheri O’Flynn/Wendy Parks, Middletown Regional Hospital
Entertainment – Denise Pressler, First Financial Bank
Site/Staging – Tiger Jones and Kathy Jones, Middletown City School principal
On-site Communication – Chief Rod Hale, City of Trenton
Parking/Security – Chief Bill Becker, City of Middletown
Landowner Relations – Walter Leap, Realtor
Publicity – Ann Mort, Good News Magazine
Design/Signage – Sam Ashworth, Good News Magazine
A combined, public/private project, the Ohio Challenge will bring together government, business, non-profit groups and individuals working together for the good of the total community.
Anyone who wishes to be involved in the planning or production of the event is asked to contact Emily Harris, Chamber balloon event director, at 513-422-4551.
MAY 22, 2003
OHIO CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES MIDFIRST CREDIT UNION
AS PRESENTING SPONSOR OF AUGUST, 2003 EVENT
MidFirst Credit Union has announced it will become the presenting sponsor of the upcoming hot air balloon competitive event and festival scheduled to be held in Middletown, Ohio, on August 1,2,3, 2003.
In making the announcement today, May 22, 2003, Chris Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of MidFirst, said, “MidFirst is proud to be associated with the Ohio Challenge event. We are long-time supporters of Mid-Miami Valley community projects and know our employees and 23,000 credit union members will enjoy the balloon flights and entertainment being planned.”
MidFirst, with nearly 70 years of service to its members is a $200 million credit union with five branch locations in the Middletown, Trenton and Monroe communities.
2003 will be the first year for the Ohio Challenge hot air balloon event which is planned as an annual event.
The 30-balloon Ohio Challenge is being organized by a Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce sub-committee chaired by David Pearce of Bank One NA. With free admission to the Smith Park site, guests from a wide area are expected to attend the early morning and early evening balloon launches and enjoy the arts and crafts show, musical entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and other activities
David Pearce said, “We welcome MidFirst as the primary sponsor of this community project. Area folks who remember the 1992-93-94 US National Hot Air Balloon Championships held here have been asking when the balloons would return. With the three-year commitment of support from MidFirst and the other founding sponsors, Bank One NA, City of Middletown/Convention and Visitors Bureau and Middletown Community Foundation, we can now say, ‘The balloons are definitely back.’”
July 15, 2003
OHIO CHALLENGE WILL BE MUCH MORE THAN HOT AIR
When the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon festival and competition kicks off, there will be more to do than watch the beautiful balloon flights overhead. Free admission includes outdoor entertainment, children’s activities, balloon flights (weather permitting) and much more to entertain guests from early morning through evening.
The August 1,2,3, 2003 event at Smith Park in downtown Middletown will include Crafts by the Canal featuring 15-20 artisans in a juried arts and crafts show.
Festival foods will include breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner items presented by local non-profit agencies. Several professional food vendors will partner with non-profit organizations to provide the best of festival foods such as Pepsi products, corn on the cob, fried apple rings, pulled pork, bbq beef, chicken, pizza, caramel apple chips, flavored ice and the traditional cotton candy.
Volunteers in the information booth will be selling souvenirs featuring the official Ohio Challenge logo designed by graphic artist Sam Ashworth. T-shirts with three-color logo designs will be $10 for white shirts and $15 for red shirts.
Children’s lighted dazzle sticks will sell for $5 and will likely be very popular during the balloon glow on Saturday night.
Roger’s Jewelers, a nationwide chain based in Middletown, is designing balloon themed jewelry which will be for sale on site during the event. A sterling silver hot air balloon charm will be $19.99
Silver charm bracelets, 7 or 8 inch length, will be $24.99 to $31.99. Post style silver balloon earrings will be $59.99. Two 14k gold hot air balloon charms will be offered at $39.99 and $59.99.
2003 Ohio Challenge enamel lapel pins, a balloon fan’s collectors item, will also be for sale at $5 each.
To get a head start on the event, save time and money, pre-sale carnival ride tickets will be available at the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce office at 1500 Central Avenue and at the First Financial Bank’s Breiel office beginning July 23. Purchase a strip of five tickets for $3 prior to the event to save 75 cents per strip. On site price will be 5 for $3.75.
The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival will bring 30 of the best regional hot air balloon pilots in competition to the site of the 1992, 93, and 94 U S National Hot Air Balloon championships. Hosted by the Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Challenge joins together area business, non-profit and volunteer balloon enthusiasts to stage the first of what will become an annual balloon event.
Presenting sponsor MidFirst Credit Union with Founder’s Club sponsors Bank One, Middletown Community Foundation and the City of Middletown/Convention and Visitors Bureau have made long-term commitments to provide stability of funding for the event. ####
July 17, 2003
OHIO CHALLENGE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED
Between hot air balloon flights, there is time for fun and games during the Ohio Challenge hot air balloon competition and festival on August 1, 2, 3 at Smith Park in downtown Middletown, Ohio.
Mid-Miami Valley businesses have agreed to sponsor a wide variety of music, demonstrations and family fun to round out the first of the planned annual hot air balloon festivals. Access to the festival site and stage entertainment is all free and open to the public. Only carnival rides require paid tickets.
Friday evening, the official opening ceremony begins about 6 p.m., just prior to the first balloon launch (weather permitting). Then, Scottie Bratcher, a highly respected guitarist who is only 15 years old, will perform. Sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants, the concert will be on stage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday is full of activities including demonstrations by the model airplane glider club and Miami Valley Radio Control Club who will show their skills in aerobatics and in ground displays of their small model planes. Queen City Paddlewheelers will show off their “small stacks” radio controlled boats on the Smith Park fishing pond.
Three area dog training teams have joined together to perform on Saturday and Sunday. Dayton Dog Training, Cincinnati Kanine Companion and Middletown Dog Training teams will demonstrate just how agile dogs can be as they jump through hoops, race around barrels, over barricades and through tunnels. Sponsored by All About Pet Care, the dogs are sure to be popular performers.
Dave Lapham, sportscaster and former Cincinnati Bengal, will be at the Ohio Challenge on Saturday evening representing major presenting sponsor MidFirst Credit Union.
The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight – Systems Go, sponsored by Butler Tech, will take the stage following the evening balloon launch and prior to the Saturday evening balloon glow.
Sunday begins with the early morning balloon flight, followed by a community sunrise church service and the Hoskins Family gospel singing concert. Bluegrass music will fill the air Sunday afternoon when the Danny Davis Band.
Throughout the weekend, there will be free children’s activities in the Family Fun Tent , sponsored by the First Financial Bank.
The Murray Brothers Carnival, Crafts by the Canal, a juried arts and crafts show, and the Middletown Historic Village sponsored by the Daniel Doty Family will also be on site.
Following is a complete listing of entertainment scheduled for Ohio Challenge weekend.
NOTE: All events are “weather permitting.” Even a bright sunny day with picture perfect weather may be too breezy for a balloon launch. Balloons take to the air only if the wind speed is under 10 miles per hour and no other dangers are predicted for the flight time. Launch times are approximate.
Friday – August 1
2–11 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival –
4–10 pm – Crafts by the Canal – Arts and Crafts Festival
4-9 pm – Family Fun Tent - Free children’s activities- sponsored by First Financial Bank
6:00 pm – Opening ceremony with flag raising by balloon
6:30-7:30 pm – Mass Balloon Launch
7:30-9:30 pm – Scottie Bratcher Band sponsored by McDonald’s - Breiel Blvd & Verity Pkwy
Saturday – August 2
6-10 am – Bulls Run Ramblers Volksmarch, Departs from city parking
lot south of Middletown Journal on Broad Street
6:30-8:00 am– Balloon fly-in competition
8-9 am – Model Glider Airplane demonstration
9-10 am – Radio Controlled Model Airplane demonstration
10 am – 10 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival
10 am – 10 pm – Crafts by the Canal – Arts and Crafts Show
11 am – 10 pm – Historical Village of Middletown - sponsored by Daniel Doty Family
11 am – Noon – Dog Agility Team – sponsored by All About Pet Care
11 am – 9 pm – Family Fun Tent – (closed during balloon launch) sponsored by First Financial Bank
Noon-12:45 pm – Square Dance show at the Stage
1 pm – Volksmarch concludes at Smith Park
1-5 pm – Queen City Paddle Boats on Smith Pond – model stern-wheelers
1:30-2 pm – Historic Middletown - sponsored by Daniel Doty Family
3-4 pm – Dog Agility Team – sponsored by All About Pet Care
4:30-5:30 pm – Model Glider Airplane demonstration
5:30-6:30 pm – Model Radio Controlled Airplane demonstration
6:30-7:30 – Mass balloon launch
7:30 – Dave Lapham, Sportscaster and former Cincinnati Bengal represents Presenting Sponsor
MidFirst Credit Union at Ohio Challenge.
7:30-9:30 pm – Systems Go – Air Force Band of Flight sponsored by Butler Tech
9-9:45 pm – Balloon Glow
Sunday – August 3
6:30-8 am – Balloon Fly-in Competition
8-10 am – Sunrise Community Church Service – sponsored by University Baptist Church
10-11 am – Hoskins Family gospel Sing
11 am-6 pm – Crafts by the Canal – Arts and Crafts Show
11- Noon – Dog Agility Team – sponsored by All About Pet Care
11 am-5 pm – Family Fun Tent sponsored by First Financial Bank
11 am – 6 pm – Murray Brothers Carnival
11am – 5 pm – Historic Village of Middletown – sponsored by Daniel Doty Family
Noon-2 pm – Bluegrass Jam – local musical groups on stage
2-4 pm – Danny Davis Band
3-4 pm – Dog Agility Team – sponsored by All About Pet Care
4-4:30 pm – Laura Garcia, Cloggers
5-6 pm – Elks Lodge Dancers
6:30-7:30 – Mass balloon launch
Family Fun Tent Schedule (Tent closes during balloon launches)
Friday, August 1:
4 - 5:30 pm - Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
5:30 - 6 pm - "Stan the Magic Man"
7:30 - 8 pm - Cloggers Demonstration
8:- 8:30 pm - Storytelling - Abe Lincoln - performed by Jim Crabtree
8:30 - 9 pm- Arts & Crafts
Saturday, August 2:
11 am – 1pm- Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
1- 1:30 pm - Kris Vaughn - "How to take care of a pet"
1:30 - 3 pm - Arts & Crafts
3 - 3:30 pm - "Stan the Magic Man"
4 - 4:30 pm - Laura Garcia's Cloggers
4:30 - 6 pm - Arts & Crafts
Sunday, August 3:
11 am - Noon - Arts & Crafts
Noon - 12:30 pm - Storytelling - Abe Lincoln – performed by Jim Crabtree
1 - 1:30 - Kris Vaughn - "How to take care of a pet"
1:30 – 3 pm - Face Painting/Arts & Crafts
Story Submitted by Ann Mort |
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