Kalamazoo Prepares For A Historic Hot Air Balloon Championship
In 2027, Gull Meadow Farms will be the host of the 8th FAI North American Hot Air Balloon Championship, which takes place from August 17 through the 22nd.
This will also coincide with the 15th anniversary of Kalamazoo Balloon Fest, which will be a huge draw to Southwest Michigan.
MLive reported on the announcement, which apparently will be the first time this competition has been held in the United States since 1993:
About 55 hot air balloons are expected to participate, with elite pilots representing the United States, Canada and Mexico. The week-long championship will feature competitive flight tasks for top-ranked pilots alongside the community festival atmosphere of the Kalamazoo Balloon Fest.
Derrick Jones, director of West Michigan Balloon Events, commented on his excitement for an event of this magnitude coming to a city where hot air balloons are a staple form of fun during the summer:
This is more than a championship — it’s a historic homecoming for ballooning in the United States. To bring this event to Kalamazoo during the 2027 15th anniversary of the Kalamazoo Balloon Fest makes it even more meaningful and special for our community.
This year, the 14th Annual Kalamazoo Balloon Fest at Gull Meadows Farms will be returning for 3 days of ballooning in Richland, Michigan, from August 21st to the 23rd.
Every year, Kalamazoo Balloon Fest draws thousands of people to the area to enjoy family activities, pilot and crew meet & greets, food, and to catch some of the coolest hot air balloons take flight in West Michigan.
Hot Air Ballooning, Early 1900s
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