America's Freedom Festival

July 02 - July 04, 2009

Fox Field
1100 North Freedom Boulevard
Provo, UT United States
1st weekend July
Number of balloons: 30
Year began: 1987

Every time Wayne Ross steps inside a basket and takes off, he realizes why the Balloon Fest is part of the Freedom Festival. "There is a sense of empowerment as you are lifted up above the earth," says Ross, co-chair of the event. "It is truly humbling to observe this great country from the sky and reflect on our role in its greatness."

More than 25,000 spectators will have the opportunity to experience 25 of these magical giants close-up as part of the ever popular 2007 Balloon Fest. Anyone interested may attend this free event at Fox Field, 1100 North Freedom Boulevard, Provo. Balloons will be flying each morning from 6:30-8 a.m., July 3rd & 4th. The event offers families and children the privilege of walking around the balloons as they inflate.

Keeping in the tradition of the Balloon Fest, pilots will again participate in the Hare and the Hound competition where "hound" balloons try to drop bean bags onto a target laid out by the "hare." They can obtain additional points through jousting as they attempt to pop large balloons with sharp sticks 200 to 300 feet above the ground. Top pilots from around the nation come to compete in this unique and difficult event.

Bill Talbot helped start the Balloon Fest 20 years ago to try and repay those who organized community activities that influenced him as a youth. He never fully appreciated how much work goes in to these events year after year. "I decided I couldn't repay those people for such wonderful memories, but I can share some of the same fun and magic with kids today," says Talbot. Essentially the same people who started the event continue making it a possibility.

"It is incredible seeing the sun come up over Heritage Mountain," says Talbot, stressing the importance of arriving at 6:30 to see the balloons inflate. "Once they are standing up, it is like a canyon of color."

Web Site: http://www.freedomfestival.org/
Bill Talbot
(801) 226-8431
Email: wtalbot at zionsbank dot com