Balloon Classic/Jackson-Belden Music Fest

The Balloon Classic Invitational is a fantastic family event that began in 1985 and was enhanced in 1995 when the event merged with the Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks.

The first Balloon Classic featured just a handful of hot air balloons and has grown so extensively that more than 75 balloons now participate. Extra excitement will be generated by special shape balloons such as "Piggles" the piggy bank, "Touchdown" an enormous flying football, "Sushi" and "The American Rocketship" .

Pilots will participate in team racing and target drops as they vie for a prize package of $19,000. An awesome spectacle is the pole grab in which pilots guide their balloons as close as possible to the designated pole in an attempt to grab the ribbon, a feat worth $3,000 and other great prizes.

After the sun sets Friday night, a special show begins with the spectacular balloon glow. The balloons tether on the ground and fill their balloon envelopes with propane so they glow brightly in the night, in a musically choreographed program. On Saturday night, the balloon flight is followed by the fabulous Jackson-Belden Fireworks show, also musically choreographed and sure to delight people of all ages.

On both Friday and Saturday evenings, in addition to the hot air balloons, be sure to enjoy the Jackson-Belden Food Fest, which provides a wide variety of tempting treats, children’s area, and musical entertainment.