March 15, 2006

MIDFIRST CREDIT UNION RETURNS AS PRIMARY SPONSOR OF OHIO CHALLENGE HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL FOR FOURTH YEAR

"MidFirst is happy to sponsor a family fun event that will benefit so many charities in southwest Ohio," said Barry Haller, President and CEO of MidFirst Credit Union, the primary sponsor for the fourth year running. "Through our sponsorship, we not only play a role in raising money for charities and supporting the local economy, we are also able to promote the credit union difference. The event improves each year, and MidFirst is proud to be a part of the Ohio Challenge."

MidFirst Credit Union provides financial services to approximately 25,000 people who live, work, attend school or worship in Butler and Warren Counties as well as the employees, families and retirees of over 200 Select Employee Groups. MidFirst operates five branches in Middletown, Trenton, and Monroe.

Returning Platinum level supporters are the  Middletown Journal serving as the Official Information Source, WPFB, The Rebel – 105.9 fm as the Official Radio Station, City of Middletown/Convention and Visitors Bureau, Selection.com and Jump Institute who will bring a major skydiving demonstration to the event for the second year.

Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival is scheduled for July 21-22-23, 2006 at Smith Park in downtown Middletown. Thirty hot air balloons will compete in a sanctioned competition event while two special shape balloons join the flights. Specialty sport events, musical concerts, festival foods, arts and crafts vendors, a carnival, and much more are all a part of the three-day event. 

On-site parking is $5 per vehicle. Admission is free to pedestrians walking into the park.

For more information about Ohio Challenge and sponsorship opportunities, call 513-422-3030 or visit www.ohiochallenge.com website.

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