In 1981, Battle Creek hosted the 5th World Hot Air Ballooning Championships organized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (World Air Sports Federation). The event featured 98 hot air balloon pilots from 23 countries and attracted more than a million spectators over nine days. By the way, Battle Creek is the only city to have hosted three World Hot Air Ballooning Championships (it was also selected as the host city of the 1995 and 2012 Championships).
The 1981 event was such a success that the authorities and citizens of Battle Creek decided that the city needed its own hot air balloon festival. To make the event even more spectacular, they combined a balloon festival and an air show. Over the years, the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival has become one of the largest and most popular events of its kind in the United States.
The air show features the finest pilots, various kinds of aircraft, stunning aerobatic displays and spectacular pyrotechnical effects that will leave you speechless. Famous aerobatic teams that have participated in the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show include the Blue Angels (US Navy), the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds), and the Snowbirds (Royal Canadian Air Force).
The hot air balloon festival is just as spectacular as the air show. Pilots from all over the country come to Battle Creek to demonstrate their skills. The program of the festival includes a balloonist competition, mass ascensions, hot air balloon rides for hire, mesmerizing Balloon Illumes (also known as Night Glows at other balloon festivals), and more. One should keep in mind that ballooning is a weather-sensitive activity and thus balloon-related events might be postponed or even canceled because of unsuitable weather conditions.
The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival also provides varied entertainment: the annual Skerbeck Entertainment Group Family Carnival with exciting amusement rides, live performances on the main stage, two fireworks shows, Kid’s Day, FMX motorcycle stunt shows, the Great Lakes Timber Show, car racing, the Battle Creek Half Marathon & 5K, food vendors, and more.
Photo: Battle Creek CVB
