The 35th annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, which takes place at 1200 W. Grand River in Howell, is in full swing! Activities kick off with carnival rides opening at 2 p.m., food court concessions starting at 4:30 p.m., mass balloon launches between 6-8:00 p.m., with live entertainment to follow! As darkness falls this evening, you are sure to enjoy an all new skydiving night show preview, as well as a fireworks display!
Not able to get to Howell tonight? The festivities will continue all weekend! Weather permitting, the hot air balloons will fly in each morning between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Carnival rides begin at 10:00 a.m. and run until 11 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. New this year is a family fun tent, open from 2-7 p.m., with activities presented by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Howell Carnegie District Library, and Bucket Fillers.
Another mass balloon launch will take place each evening from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening, as darkness falls, the famous Balloon Glow will take place. About 20 hot-air balloons will inflate on the launch field and glow their envelopes against the beautiful summer night sky. It’s truly a sight that you won’t want to miss!
Admission is $5 per day, per person. Children under age 3 are free. Wristbands for carnival rides are sold separately.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.michiganchallenge.com.