Bluegrass Balloon Festival

September 28 - September 30, 2007

Bowman Field
9710 Park Plaza Ave
Louisville, KY United States 40241
4th weekend in September
Number of balloons: 100
Year began: 1999

First launched in 1999, the Bluegrass Balloon Festival has quickly become the largest ballooning event in Kentucky and one of the top ten in the United States. For many years local pilots gathered together to give back to the community by having a year end balloon glow at Bowman Field. When the local event was cancelled due to the lack of funds, Adam Burckle, the founder of Adam Matthews, came up with an idea that led to this festival.

Fifty two balloons participated the first year to kick off what would become a very succesful event. Many of the pilots were local , while some pilots came from far across the United States. In the first year the Festival raised $20,000 for the Dream Factory, an organization that helps grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. What makes this even more surprising is the fact that the event is free to all who attend.

In the second year, (2000), 70 balloons from across the United States gathered to help make the event a spectacular festival. In fact, the entries were limited to 70 balloons, and there was a waiting list of those that were eager to participate.

In 2001, due to the tragic events of September 11, flight at the festival was in doubt. Due to the petitioning of the festival, the National Safety Council and the FAA decided to allow the flight of hot air balloons two days prior to what was suppose to be the opening of the festival. Approximately 75 balloons attended making this the largest balloon festival held in Kentucky's history.

Bowman Field is located in Louisville, KY between I-64 and Cannons Lane on the east side and Taylorsville Road and Seneca Park on the west side. There are two day time entry and exit gates: Cannons Lane and Pee Wee Reese Way (Seneca Park Boundary Road), follow the signs. GLOW EXTRA PARKING: On Friday and Saturday night an additional gate will open at Dutchman's Lane and Taylorsville Road, this will make for three gates for the glow parking.

Coming from Lexington Kentucky area? Take I-64 West to Cannons Lane Exit 10 and turn left on to Cannons lane, Bowman is 1/4 mile up on your right.

Coming from Cincinnati area? Take I-71 South to Louisville merge onto I-264 West (Exit 5) and proceed to exit 17B at Taylorsville Road go straight and Bowman will be on your right in 1/2 mile. Proceed to Pee Wee Reese (Second stop Light) turn right, go 1/4 mile and the entrance is on your right.

Coming from Nashville area? Take I-65 North to Louisville, take I-264 East, proceed to Exit 17B Taylorsville Road go straight and Bowman will be on your right in 1/2 mile. Proceed to Pee Wee Reese (Second stop Light) turn right, go 1/4 mile and the entrance is on your right.

Coming From Evansville area? Take I-64 East to Louisville take Exit 10 Cannons Lane, turn right Bowman is 1/4 mile up on your right.

Coming from Indianapolis area? Take I-65 South to Louisville when you cross the bridge over the Ohio be prepared to immediately merge onto I-64 East. Take this to Exit 10 Cannons Lane. Exit and turn right Bowman is 1/4 mile up on your right.

Web Site: http://www.bluegrassballoons.com
Joni Collins
502.491.1076
Email: jonic at bluegrassballoons dot com