1981 - Battle Creek, Michigan, hosted the 5th World Hot-Air Balloon Championship. Pilots from 23 different countries were represented, and the event drew nearly one million spectators to marvel over the beautiful array of 195 hot-air balloons. "Because of the overwhelming success of the 1981 World's Championship, Battle Creek decided to again submit a bid to host the 7th World Hot-Air Balloon Championship which took place in June of 1985. Only one other city in the United States has been chosen to host the World's Championship more than once.
1983 - Again, as a result of being the host city for the 1981 World's Championship, the decision was made to host the North American Challenge Cup in July of 1983. This championship was a competition between Canada and the United States. Unlike the World's, which is a week-long event, this event was for one weekend. The enthusiasm from the pilots, officials, spectators, volunteers, and the people of Battle Creek grew! This event was a success not only from the participants' viewpoint but also from the organizers' as it helped them prepare for the World's.
1985 - The 7th World Hot-Air Balloon Championship. Pilots from 21 countries were represented, and over one million spectators joined in the festivities. The World Hot-Air Balloon Championship is the most prestigious event in hot-air ballooning, and those pilots who make up the roster of competitors are considered the "best" from their respective countries.
After another successful World Championship, the Board of Directors of Battle Creek Hot-Air Balloon Championships, Inc., decided that ballooning should become an annual event in Battle Creek.
Therefore, in 1985 they submitted a bid to obtain the U.S. National Balloon Championship. This championship is held strictly for United States pilots, and pilots must have the proper credentials in order to participate. Plus, pilots must compete in the Nationals in order to receive an invitation to participate in the World's.
The Nationals had been held in Indianola, Iowa, for years; and the interest in being the new "host" city was sparked when the board learned that Indianola's contract with the BFA (Balloon Federation of America) was up. Battle Creek Hot-Air Balloon Championships Inc. sent five delegates to Des Moines, Iowa, where they met with the BFA Events Committee and thoroughly explained the contents of our bid and intentions to host this event yearly.
After their return from the bid proposal meeting in Des Moines, Battle Creek received word that it would be the new host city for the U.S. Nationals. However, a few days after that, they learned that because of internal discrepancies among the BFA Board of Directors and the BFA Events Committee, a vote by the entire BFA membership would have to take place to determine the site of the U.S. Nationals. The Board of Directors of Battle Creek Hot-Air Balloon Championships, Inc., decided to withdraw the bid to obtain the U.S. Nationals because it appeared a decision from the BFA would not be made in time to adequately organize an event of this magnitude.
1987-1994 - As a result, the decision to create a standalone event was made, which would offer the best in competition; prize money; free housing accommodations for pilots and observers; and be an event that would attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the City of Battle Creek for days of family fun and excitement. Thus, the Battle Creek International Balloon Championship and Air Show began in July of 1987.
1992 - Battle Creek submitted a bid to host the 1995 World Hot-Air Balloon Championships and successfully achieved the support from the Competition Division of the BFA (Balloon Federation of America). Battle Creek, Michigan would now become the only city to ever host the world event three (3) times. (The last World Championship held in the United States was in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1985.). Air Show wise, 1992 saw the Italian Jet team, the Freece Tri Colore, perform in Battle Creek as part of their 1992 North American Tour.
1995 - Thirty two (32) countries were represented at the 12th World Hot-Air Balloon Championship. The World Championship is the most prestigious hot-air balloon event in the "world." Competitors vied for the title of 'World Champion' and the fiesta pilots competed for $10,000.00 in prize money. This eight (8) day event "(July 1-8, 1995) drew over 900,000 spectators.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
1996 - Hundreds of balloon pilots and a million plus spectators made the Battle Creek Hot-Air Balloon Championship and Air Show an 'annual' stop. The World Balloon Invitational of Battle Creek was held June 29 - July 6, 1996. This success carries over into 1997 when the event becomes the Team U.S. Nationals & Air Show with amazing attendance numbers.
1999, 2000, 2002, 2005 & 2006 - Battle Creek was one of the only air shows in the nation to host both the United States Air Force Thunderbirds & Canadian Forces Snowbirds on the same day during so many events. The Snowbirds were also supposed to perform at the event in 2001, but due to an accident a week prior to the Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. airshow, they had to cancel.
2003 - After years of being known as the "Team U.S. Nationals & Air Show", the event became known as the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. This name change came about because the event incorporates a lot more than just air shows and hot-air balloons.
2006 - Battle Creek becomes a part of air show history as the T-6A Texan II East Coast Demonstration Team performs their FINAL airshow performance & Texan Flight on July 4th, 2006. Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. 2007 - The United States Navy Blue Angels make their Battle Creek demonstration debuts. They performed a flyover during the event in 1998. The famed F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter makes its last appearance in Battle Creek before retirement.
2010 - The US Air Force's NEWEST Fighter, the F-22 Raptor, makes its Michigan Airshow debut. The event draws in over 179,000 people during 4 days.
2011 - The US Navy Blue Angels return to Battle Creek, bringing a US military precision jet team back to the event for the first time since 2009. The first ever "Field of Rock" concert bash is held on June 30th.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.2012 - The US Air Force Thunderbirds return for the first time since 2009 and become Honorary Citizens of the City of Battle Creek. The event is plagued with severe heat in a record setting temperature summer. However, most balloon flights launch without a hitch. The "Field of Rock" name is adopted for Center Stage Concerts and is presented by FireKeepers Casino.
2013 - The event runs July 3rd-7th (Wednesday-Sunday). The first day of the event became designated as Community Kick-Off Day and featured American Idol Matt Giraud in concert. The first three nights of the event see massive attendance levels compared to normal. Sequestration hits the air show forcing the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Demo Team to cancel their appearance. The show continues with a TOP-NOTCH civilian lineup that pleased all patrons. All-in-all, the event exceeded expectations in a rough year.
2014 - July 2nd - 6th. Great crowds, great fans and great reviews helped define the 2014 event. The event sees the return of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and a three-day air show featuring some of the best civilian acts in the world today. The Night Air Show, held on July 5th, becomes the largest night air show ever held in Battle Creek. The United States Navy Blue Angels make a surprise appearance on July 6th, flying over the airfield and the US Air Force Thunderbirds. This marked the Field of Flight as the ONLY public event in 2014 that had both jet teams appear in their skies on the same day. The Balloon Competition features pilots from the United States, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. Beautiful weather holds out for the week, allowing everyone to have a great time.
2015 -The 35th Anniversary of the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival pulled in amazing crowd numbers during the five day festival. Between beautiful weather and an amazing event schedule, patron numbers in the six figures come out and enjoy the event. The 2015 event was the only air show in Michigan to host the F-22 (and the first event in Michigan to host the demo team twice). Other standouts include The Immortals along with Firewalkers International Pyro, two fireworks displays and great weather favoring the balloon launches.
2016- The next 35 years begin NOW! Now expanded to six days of family fun, help us write history as we plan to make this the BEST Field of Flight yet! Make sure you mark your calendars now for June 29th-July 4th and come out as often as you can! Interested in becoming a sponsor? CONTACT US TODAY!
From I-94 – Take Exit 95 which is Helmer Road. You will go North on Helmer Road and this will take you to the main parking lot for the event. It will also take you to the RV Parking Lot.
OR
You can also take the Helmer Road Exit and follow the “Detour Balloon Event” signs. This will take you to Stone Jug Road which will dead end into Columbia Avenue. *You will turn left or west and at the next traffic light (R & L Trucking will be on the south side) you will turn North (right) on South Airport Road (passing Duncan Aviation) and follow it until it comes to a dead end which you will see Parking Lot #6.
OR
From 1-94 – Take Exit 92 which is Springfield/Skyline Drive/Martin Luther King HWY. You will go north to the first traffic light; turn right. The next traffic light is South Airport Road and you will turn left or north (see above *).
Please note: NO SEMI’S ALLOWED ON HELMER ROAD FROM I-94 TO COLUMBIA AVENUE.
Take I-94 to the Downtown Battle Creek Exit – M-66, Exit 98B. The very next Exit is Columbia Avenue – Exit 2. At the top of the ramp (traffic light) turn left which is West. At the sixth traffic light (Meijer will be on your left or South side) proceed through that light and the next light will be South Airport Road; turn right or North and this will take you directly to Gate #6.
OR
Take the same directions above but proceed to Exit 3 which is Dickman Road. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left. You will pass several Car Dealerships on the Magnificent Motor Mile. Stay on Dickman Road until you come to the Airport or Helmer Road. Turn left (South) on to Helmer Road.
UPDATES: Please tune in to FM WIN 98.5 for traffic & weather updates. LIKE our Facebook Page to get up-to-the-minute information about balloon launches and other event information.
2016 BATTLE CREEK FIELD OF FLIGHT AIR SHOW AND BALLOON FESTIVAL W.K. Kellogg Airport Battle Creek Field of Flight Office 269-962-0592 Website: www.BCBalloons.com
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Upon entrance to the Parking Lots located off HELMER ROAD, simply show your handicapped parking permit. The Parking Committee will direct you to the designated parking area. Our tentative plans will be to park all handicapped vehicles at the north end of the main lot next to taxiway Alpha. This will make it very convenient for our Shuttle Service to pick you up and return you to your vehicle.
However, should anyone need any assistance or walking is a burden, simply let the Parking Committee know that you will need our "FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE," and they will call the Shuttle Service Committee for you.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
When you are ready to return to your vehicle, simply go to one of the Beverage Tents, back to the Main Entrance or flag down any volunteer on a golf cart and they will call the Shuttle Service .
There will also be wheelchair accessible port-a-jons on the event grounds.
All events/activities are subject to change & WEATHER PERMITTING
PLEASE bring Exact change for Parking which is $5.00 per Car/Truck/Motorcycle
Motorcycle parking on runway verses grass at Main Entrance Gate (Helmer Road)
NO RAIN CHECKS
On-Site RV Camping is available. Advance registration is requested and recommended
Bus Groups are welcome
Kids 3ft and under are FREE EVERY DAY
HANDICAP PARKING & FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE - Ask a parking volunteer
Available for Rent: Handicap Motorized Carts & Wagons
SMALL CANOPY TENTS ALLOWED on event grounds in Designated Areas. Please pay attention to signage indicating designated area. You may be asked to move if you are not behind the line
Coolers ARE allowed - NO GLASS - NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Beer & Wine can be purchased on-site with proper ID
NO Firearms Permitted
NO Sparklers or Fireworks Permitted
NO Pets allowed on event grounds
NO tents, chairs, blankets, etc. are allowed in GENERAL PARKING AREAS
NO Grills are permitted on event grounds except in the RV Camping Area - Rules will apply
NO bicycles, mopeds, golf carts, etc. are allowed on event grounds except STATE APPROVED HANDICAP UNITS
Daily Admission and Parking Fees will apply. Admission Wristbands and Parking Passes are good ALL DAY.
**NOTE: All activities are WEATHER PERMITTING. NO RAIN CHECKS OR REFUNDS on any purchases (advance sales, admission, parking, RV fees, Carnival tickets or wristbands etc...). Gates will be open Rain or Shine (Purchases at the gate are CASH ONLY) and we'll always have something going on unless really serious weather approaches.**
PARKING FEES:
Daily Parking Fees are assessed for the event. Parking will be charged (CASH ONLY) before entering the event gate & parking area. Please have your cash ready to avoid delays. After payment to one of our parking volunteers, you will receive your parking pass which you must display inside of your vehicle. From there, you will be directed to your parking spot.
Your parking pass will be good all day. You can feel free to come and go as you want. Your parking space will not be saved. Just make sure you retain your admission wristbands and parking pass to be able to get back into the parking area and event grounds without re-purchasing. We cannot guarantee the same parking spot or location for you to sit on the event grounds. Handicapped Parking and Shuttle Service is available.
2015 Daily Parking Fees (parking fees are not assessed by number of people but by vehicle):
Wednesday, July 1st: $5 per vehicle car load Thursday, July 2nd: $5 per vehicle car load Friday, July 3rd: $5 per vehicle car load Saturday, July 4th: $5 per vehicle car load Sunday, July 5th: $5 per vehicle car load
GATE ADMISSION FEES:
Daily Gate Admission Fees are assessed for the event as well. Admission (CASH ONLY) will be charged at one of the many walk-through entrance gates into the event grounds. Please have your cash (and coupons if you have any) ready to avoid delays. After payment, you will receive an admission wristband. This is proof that you paid if you were to leave and return to the event later. Once inside, you can go do whatever you please. We strive to keep prices as low as we can and we try to offer deals as much as we can.
**PLEASE NOTE: Children 3 feet and under get in FREE EVERY DAY**
Wednesday, July 1: FREE ADMISSION Thursday, July 2: $5 Admission per person Friday, July 3: $10 per person; $8 per person if COUPON IS PRINTED IN ADVANCE Saturday, July 4: $10 per person; $8 per person if COUPON IS PRINTED IN ADVANCE Sunday, July 5: $5 per person
Come visit the Skerbeck Carnival again this July at the Battle Creek Field of Flight. We are excited to have them return for the second time! They were a huge success at last year’s Field of Flight and they are one of the BEST carnivals on the circuit today. They offer rides for everyone at great values. Skerbeck Carnival (which will operating all 5 days this year - July 1st-5th).
2015 ADVANCED SKERBECK CARNIVAL ARM BAND SALES:
Field of Flight MEGA BAND: $75.00 - ALL WEEK!
Only 200 will be sold Good for All-Day Unlimited Rides Sales end at 12 Noon on July 1st Deal not available at Ticket Booths
Stay where you have fun! We offer a camping area for Self-Contained Units (No tents) on the airport grounds. RV Camping applications are available NOW, so make sure you reserve your spot today and STAY WHERE YOU PLAY. Wake up in the morning and head directly to the gates for a day of fun!
2015 RV Overnight Camping Rates:
Wednesday, July 1: $25.00 Thursday, July 2: $25.00 Friday, July 3: $30.00 Saturday, July 4: $30.00 Sunday, July 5: $30.00
(TOTAL if you stay all week: $140.00)
RESERVATIONS WILL BE TAKEN FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS ONLY UNTIL JUNE 15, 2014. GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN TODAY! NO REFUNDS AFTER JUNE 15, 2015. Visit our RV & Lodging Menu on our website today for more information about RV CAMPING. **Daily Admission Rates for RV Campers will apply. These rates are the same as our admission rates above.
We designed the units ourselves to meet the strictest health codes and to be the most efficient for fast, quality customer service. We work several large state fairs and have equipped our units for high volume sales. Our equipment is immaculately clean, modern, and well maintained. Our employees are friendly and oriented towards quality customer service.
Although we have received many "Best Service & Appearance" Awards, our highest honor is our satisfied customers. We take great pride in serving patrons at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival again this year.
The U-Do-It Slush Factory will be returning to the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival this year with a wide variety of flavors to choose from!
Mix and Match your favorite flavors and colors! All drinks are served in a souvenir cup.
Refills are only $3 any day of the Festival!
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Flavors include:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.As a locally owned restaurant, Schlotzsky's is proud to be back and support our community for this summer’s Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival! This marks our 26th year being a partner and a food vendor at this great community event. Stop by our tent and enjoy our delicious healthy selections that make us “lotz” better! Featuring:
Red Chili Pepper Cafe is a family owned business. We provide great, great food! We use local vendors that supply everything from fresh meat to freshly made tortillas! Come and enjoy!
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Although the Outlaw Fries booth is new to the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival this year, they are not strangers! They are also the owner & operator of "Slush Factory".
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.With Over 20 years of experience, Ibison Concessions has grown through customer satisfaction and quality. We pride ourselves in providing excellent products, at a high volume, without sacrificing the taste. Ibison Concessions uses “fresh” foods and treats to keep that customer satisfaction at its best.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Famous Gabby’s BBQ and Fry Stand has become part of a family tradition at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival!
No matter what you think you might like to eat, you will change your mind when you smell the aroma of the:Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
BBQ Chicken
BBQ Ribs
BBQ Burgers
BBQ Polish Sausage Dogs
BBQ Kabobs
so much more!
Add the rice, beans, coleslaw and curly fries and you have one complete meal at a reasonable cost. Be sure to stop at Gabby’s BBQ and Fry Stand where we have lots of shaded picnic tables for you to enjoy your BBQ delights.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.When the sun is hot during this year's festival, everyone will flock to the frozen delights served by Creamalot!
Creamalot Inc. is from Cleveland, Ohio and is Family Run and Professionally Done! Their specialty is old-fashioned Frozen Custard. See the history of frozen custard below.
Besides frozen custard, the Big Kahuna's booth will be featuring tasty dessert treats, many frozen and cold, ranging in price from $4:00 - $8.00, including their famous Homemade Apple Dumplings, pictured left, made with their own Cinnamon Sauce recipe. They use Whole Apples, Delicious Ice Cream, Milk or Just Plain.
Our pizza dough is hand made from scratch and proofed over night which gives it a perfect crust. You order the pizza you want, we assemble it as you watch.
Your pizza is then put into a 700 degree oven that has awood flame. It is removed in about 90 seconds and put on your plate for you to enjoy. No pizza under a warming light!!
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Beach Concessions has been in the concessions business since 1984 and have been a food vendor at the Battle Creek Field of Flight since 1988 and have enjoyed every year. Stop by and see us and we will be sure to sweeten your taste! We serve the finest in:
Melt in your mouth Mini Donuts will be at this year's Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival! B & S Concessions will be bring their made to order, melt in your mouth, gourmet mini donuts to the festival this year! Stop by the booth for these irresistible treats!
Prices range from $5 per Sack and $10 per Bucket. Flavors include Buttermilk, Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, Apple Cider. Frosting & Dip flavors are Vanilla, Chocolate, Maple, Cream Cheese, Bavarian Cream, Whipped Topping. Drizzles include Strawberry, Caramel, White Chocolate, Peanut Butter. Toppings include Sprinkles, Nuts, Candies, Coconut. Also available are Deep Fried Candy Bars, Cookies, Treats, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Pop & Water.
Image may be NSFW.
Image may be NSFW.
