Howell Hot Air Balloon Festivals

The Howell, Michigan, sky fills with color one summer weekend every year. Hot Air Balloon image by Dave from Fotolia.com

Howell, Michigan, had its first hot air balloon festival in 1984 and each year since the town has donned its festive costumes and colors and put on a hot air balloon show for families from around the nation. The festival occurs in mid summer when days are warm and evenings are cool. During the festivities, dozens of hot air balloons launch in the evenings and people from all over come to see the colorful spectacle. The event features outdoor entertainment activities that take place throughout the town over the entire weekend.

Hot Air Balloons

Watch the daily evening mass hot air balloon launch at the annual Howell Balloonfest. Every evening during this one weekend dozens of balloons are launched. Watch the spectacular array of colorful balloons. After the balloons launch from the Howell High School grounds and float off into the horizon when darkness falls, watch the fireworks display offered as the ending to the balloon display.

The Stunt Kites

On Balloonfest weekend, a Stunt Kite Team shows off its colorful kites and stunts. Kites seem to dance to the music of show tunes and patriotic favorites. One of the most interesting shows is the rendition of America the Beautiful in which red, white and blue patriotic kites are used. Watch the team members use their expertise to fly 78 kites at one time. During special times of the Balloonfest, stunt kite flyers will teach spectators basic kite maneuvers.

Skydiving

Enjoy the Skydiving show, too. This is an air show that is both entertaining and explosive. Team members perform many maneuvers including diving with a 5,000 square-foot flag that weighs more than 140 pounds. Onlookers look up in the late afternoon waiting for the skydivers to come down and gracefully land on the launch field. Shows are performed both day and night, with the evening shows accentuated with special effects and pyrotechnics strapped to the bodies of team members.

Fun for All

Visit the town carnival or walk through the Art Show. View a wide variety of crafts and artwork by artists from all over the nation. Visit the Howell downtown area and watch sports demonstrations, participate in games, make recycled crafts or watch one of the many contests going on. Walk by the food booths and sample the local cuisine. On Sunday enjoy all the shows and treat yourself to the special tastes that come from the traditional weekend Howell Farmers Market.

References

• Michigan Challenge: Howell Hot Air Balloon Festival
• Click on Detroit: Howell Hot Air Balloon Festival