MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (June 6) – This year at the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Selection.com, two special shape balloons will fly. The Angry Bird balloon piloted by Gary Moore and Jewel the Hummingbird piloted by Doug Grimes.
Currently, the Angry Bird balloon is in Durban, South Africa. The balloon will be shipped from South Africa to Middletown, Ohio the second week of June.The Angry Bird Balloon will be on one pallet weighing 1108 lbs., 46 X 60 X 58 inches. Pilot Gary Moore has flown in 37 U.S. States and 17 countries. Moore has found memories of the Ohio Challenge; having previously flown Woodrow C. Greenleaf, the 120 foot tall Brazilian Rain Forest tree during the 2005 Ohio Challenge.
Jewel the Hummingbird comes to us from New Zealand. A relatively new balloon, Jewel was made and tested last year in Brazil. Jewel is rated at 111,000 cubic feet and stands roughly 100 feet tall. Pilot Doug Grimes began flying balloons in 1979. Over the course of his career he has flown in Colorado, Northern California and San Diego, California.
“We are always excited to bring special shape balloons to the event. People love to see these balloons at glows and in flight” said event manager Paula Hale, “so we are especially excited to have two unique and colorful special shape balloons for our crowd this year.”
The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10:30 pm. Walk-In Admission is $4 per adult (12 and under are free) or $10 per vehicle, which includes parking, admission for all occupants and free shuttle service. Special rates are available for buses and RVs. Saturday and Sunday morning balloon competition flights take place between approximately 7-9 am. Admission to the park is free during the morning hours. The festival will conclude Saturday night with a fireworks display courtesy of Start Skydiving. The balloon competition will conclude on Sunday morning.
For more information about the 2014 Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival presented by Selection.com please visit www.ohiochallenge.com