ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland Balloonfest (ABF) is serving up a cake that could serve 6,480,132 people – if the cake were real.
The ABF Committee is excited to announce 32 balloons, four more than anticipated, will fill the Ashland skies July 2-5 in the 25th celebration of Ashland Balloonfest. Two balloons are Shape Balloons thanks to the Bicentennial Enhancement from Samaritan Regional Health System/Samaritan Hospital Foundation.
The balloon “Birthday Cake” by Aerostar is 80 feet tall and 71 feet around. The candles are 12 feet tall and the entire “cake” weighs 807 pounds. If this were a real cake, one would need 804,000 boxes of cake mix, 2,520,000 eggs, 17,500 gallons of cooking oil, 66,000 gallons of water and 900,000 cans of frosting.
A real cake as large as “Birthday Cake” would weigh 1,732,000 pounds and serve 6,480,132 people or make 20,160,000 cupcakes.
Pilot Keith Sproul from North Brunswick, N.J. was asked what it’s like to fly a birthday cake shaped balloon.
“It’s a piece of cake,” he replied.
The second shape balloon is Joelly, a baby bumble bee shaped balloon.
Joelly’s pilot is Michael Glen from Chandler, Ariz. and is the first paraplegic person to fly hot air balloons in the world. His mission is to influence children and people by showing them they can achieve anything they dream.
Of the 32 balloons, eight are new to Ashland and three returning pilots have new balloons, all racer shape balloons which are teardrop shaped for competition.
When balloons compete, even though it is called a race, it is not a race in the traditional sense. Tasks for each flight are determined by Balloon Meister Don Hamilton. Hamilton was also the first Balloon Meister in 1990.
Targets are then set out throughout the area, maybe an X or square with numbered bean bags thrown by pilots as they reach targets.
“Each task is a new challenge for pilots,” said Hamilton.
Many pilots are competing for Balloon Federation of America points in hopes of competing for Nationals later in the year.
Two of the returning pilots, Alex Jonard II in “CraZee” and Michael Emich flying a new balloon that has not been named, have flown every year at Ashland since 1990.
Over the years they have each flown several different balloons at Ashland and are always excited to fly Ashland skies.
Jonard said, “Having been able to attend every Ashland BalloonFest since it began is my outstanding achievement. We love flying the area and the people.”
Many other activities are planned in celebration of 25 years, adding something new each day to the schedule of events starting Thursday with the Budweiser Clydesdales, Elks #1360 Beer Garden, Live Radio Remotes, Hawkins BBQ featuring Charcoal Mafia, and live entertainment with Mid Lyfe Crysis.
Also included are a merchant area, Kids Safety Fun , WVMC Balloon Media Flight, and Ashland Times Gazette Balloon Glow at dusk with an opportunity to purchase Balloon Glow Encounter Experience – getting up-close and personal with the balloons with admission onto the launch field.
Friday morning features Fun Flight for balloons which is not competitive. The field opens around 3 p.m. with Kid’s Fun Zone, concessions, opening ceremonies, and live entertainment featuring Acoustic Edge.
Jungle Bob, merchant area, Elks #1360 Beer Garden, Sponsor Flight Mass Ascension, and Ashland Times Gazette Balloon Glow with Balloon Glow Encounter top off the evening.
On Saturday the high-flying-fun continues with the first Donley Ford Lincoln of Ashland Competition Flight.
Saturday afternoon kicks off with Corn Hole Tournament, Bicentennial Vintage Base Ball Game, merchant area, Kid’s Fun Zone, Ashland Elks #1360 Beer Garden, COSI on Wheels, Donley Ford Lincoln of Ashland Meet & Greet, and Safety Fun.
Rounding out the evening will be live entertainment with Red Ball Jets, Donley Ford Lincoln of Ashland 2nd Competition Flight (mass ascension from Freer Field), and Ashland Times Gazette Balloon Glow with Balloon Glow Encounter.
Sunday’s final event is the last Donley Ford Lincoln of Ashland Competition Flight.
“The mornings are the best opportunity to see balloons and what they do as they attempt to reach targets at Freer Field,” said Misty Miller, public relations coordinator for ABF.
“We are so proud of the business community, large and small, local and corporate, for the generous support of the Ashland Balloonfest. This great family event could not be possible without our sponsors,” said Heather Herrick, sponsor coordinator.
The 25th installment of Ashland Balloonfest is sure to be an exciting one, weather permitting.
