• Ashworth, Jeffrey Corrales, NM
• Bergeon, Tom Mason, MI
• Brown, Tom Plainwell, MI
• Campbell, Craig Springfield, MI
• Coan, Larry Livonia, MI
• Foelske, Aaron Channahon, IL
• Groce, Ron Mason, MI
• Jaques, Dave Battle Creek, MI
• Jaques, Tyler Battle Creek, MI
• Heartsill, Joe SanAngelo, TX
• Heartsill, Rhett Ft. Worth, TX
• Heavin, Brandon Gatesville, TX
• Heavin, Gary Gatesville, TX
• Kerber, Rick Wayland, MI
• Lutz, Keith Corrales, NM
• Mitchell, Steve Streetsboro, OH

• Moore, Michael Augusta, MI
• Nelson, Mike Fortville, IN
• Parr, Richard Pittsboro, NC
• Peck, Stephen Battle Creek, MI
• Pestun, Jeff Holland, MI
• Petrehn, Johnny Missouri City, TX
• Raya, Shawn Oxford, MI
• Reusch, Dan Peoria, IL
• Ricke, Tom Clive, IA
• Rolfe, Pat Battle Creek, MI
• Roush, Tom Tallassee, TN
• Smart, Chris Huntington, IL
• Stamats, Susan Cedar Rapids, IA
• Walz, Chuck Munith, MI
• Wilson, Dale Augusta, MI
• Zvada, Joe Mcallen, TX

The Battle Creek Half Marathon and 5K is Battle Creek's first and only half marathon. Starting at Territorial Brewing Company, participants will run to and through the grounds of the Field of Flight and experience the balloons launching while getting an up close view of the Thunderbirds as they are running by in addition to the Field of Flight attractions. Runners will then continue on the beautiful streets and boulevards of Battle Creek for a fairly flat, scenic course before finishing back at Territorial Brewing Company. The time limit for completing the half marathon course is 3 and 1/2 hours, or 16 min/mile average pace. All half marathon registrations include a t-shirt, a completion medal, a parking pass and TWO tickets for entry to the Field of Flight on the day o the event. Run, clean up, grab a friend and enjoy all the festival has to offer.

The 5K will begin at Territorial Brewing Company. Runners will make their way to the Field of Flight where they will run the runways while watching balloons launch (weather permitting) and get an up close view of the Thunderbirds and other Field of Flight attractions before heading back to Territorial Brewing Company to the finish line. All 5k registrations include a t-shirt, a parking pass and ONE ticket for entry to the Field of Flight on the day of the event. Run the grounds then go back to enjoy all that the festival has to offer.

Interested in participating in the Half-Marathon or 5K? Visit Battle Creek Half Marathon & 5K to register and for more information. Registration cutoff is June 29th. Half-Marathon registration is $70 (plus processing fee) and the 5K is $40 (plus processing fee). Club membership discounts (Kalamazoo Area Runners and Cereal City Athletics) are available.

Breakfast & Brews

Breakfast and Brews is an optional add-on for participants and all spectators. When registering, add the number of tickets you need for the event. Tickets for Breakfast and Brews are $10 each and include a breakfast scramble, two pancakes, a breakfast meat and a short glass of specialty Territorial Brewing Company beer. Proof of age will be needed to receive alcholic beverages. Enjoy a nice breakfast, beer and then party the day away at the Field of Flight complete with an Air Show featuring the USAF Thunderbirds, concerts, Twilight Air Show, Fireworks and much much more!

Jeremy King was born and raised in Indianola Iowa, where the National Hot-Air Balloon Championships used to be held, so he has been around the hot-air ballooning world all his life. He started as a baby being pulled around the balloon field in a wagon while his mother sold programs. As he got older he was able to sell programs himself.  At the age of 14 he signed up to crew and right there knew he wanted to be a pilot someday.  It took many years of crewing and flying with friends before he decided to go get a balloon and license himself. 

In 2003 Jeremy started his training in a good friend's balloon. In early 2004 Jeremy talked his crew chief into driving down to Florida to pick up a balloon. He has been a licensed hot-air balloon pilot since 2005 with over 565 hours as pilot-in-command of a balloon and he received his commercial license in June 2008. Now he is training some of his crew to become pilots.

Jeremy is a handyman as well as the proud dad of his son, Cooper Wade King. He will be flying the balloon called "That One There" and he flies for "HBC Contracting". Jeremy truly loves to be in the air and see the faces of people when he comes floating by. His crew consists of Brad Morris and Jean & Courtney Grant.This will be his 6th year participating the event.

Check out Jeremy's website
LIKE his Team Flyin' KOAT Facebook Page
KOAT = King Of All Trades.

Battle Creek, Michigan's own Deven Cook will be participating in this year's Field of Flight Hot-Air Balloon Competition with his Even Higher balloon. He has been around hot-air ballooning since the early 1970's and crewed for many pilots across the country. He became a licensed hot-air balloon pilot in 2009 and now has a commercial rating. He is the operator and owner of Winds of Freedom Hot Air Ballooning in Battle Creek. 

He is an Air Force Veteran and is employed as a Cyber Security Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. Deven and his wife Lindsey have 4 kids (and expecting twins in May!), Elizabeth, Gabby, D.J., and Abigail (pictured with daddy).

Website: Winds of Freedom Hot Air Ballooning
Facebook: Winds of Freedom Hot Air Ballooning

Matt Bousselot is from Marion, Iowa. He is excited to be a first time Battle Creek participant and a first year HACD card holder. Fascinated with flying his entire life, and having a little prior fixed wing experience, he obtained his LTA license in 2012. Today he flies balloon passenger rides in the Cedar Rapids, lA area and is employed as an engineer designing GPS and navigation systems. Joining Matt on his ballooning adventures are his household crew, including his wife Anne and two kids, Tyler & Laila.

May, 2016,

It's COUNTDOWN for this summer's Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, June 29 through July 4, 2016 and we hope you will join us for a week of "news" and community excitement!

The Media Committee is all geared up to assist you with any and all coverage! We have special viewing reserved just for you and we are prepared to schedule interviews with the US Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team (making their only appearance in Michigan): our Air Show Stunt Performers: our Balloonists who are competing for the title of Champion and to share in over $12,000 in Prize Money; or maybe one of our outstanding Vendors: Skerbeck Carnival and the list is truly never ending! Just let us know your "flight plan" and we will be thrilled to accommodate all your needs!

If you have not had the chance to completely check out our Tentative Schedule of Events, please do so! I'm sure you will agree that it is going to be six busy days/nights! Here are some of the highlights:

• up to 5D Hot-Air Balloons all competing for the title of Champion 6 $12,500 in
  Prize Money!
• five Hour Air Show featuring the US Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team!
• fabulous Entertainment on Center Stage!
• Great Lakes Timber Show featuring log rolling competition (ANY TAKERS), axe throwing and chain saw carving!
• Motorcycle Stunt Team with launch in the air off huge ramps doing flips and tricks!
• The Skerbeck Family Carnival featuring amazing rides and games for the entire family.
• TWO Balloon Night lllumes and Twilight Air Show!
• TWO Fabulous Fireworks display 15 minutes long and choreographed to music produced by the best.... Melrose Fireworks Pyrotechnics.
• BC SpeedFest - Ohhhh Yeah ...1/2 Mile Race with Head-to-Head Competition ...... Go Race Car Fans!
• And, how about the Opening Day being Free Admission 6 Free Parking - It's Wacky Wednesday!!!!
• And of course there is sooooooo much more...........

So Media Partners and Guests, get ready to give your listeners, readers and viewers exactly what they want by being a part of this summer's Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival, June 28 through July 4, 2016!

Please understand that Media Passes will he granted only to bonafide media! All we need you to do is complete the Media Registration Form online (www.bcballoons.com ). Once we have received your Media Credentials Form, the Media Committee will be back in contact with you.

Thank you so much for your help in promoting Battle Creek's premiere event and remember, the Media Committee is here to handle all your needs!
We are all looking forward to working with you! The MEDIA Tearn Contacts:
Patti Mitchell, Chair
Brett Bailey. Co-Chair
Nancy Edwards, Co-Chair
Marc & Barb Coppins, Co-Chairs 
Suze Nanos-Gusching, Co-Chair
Tim Daleiden, Co-Chair
Hayley Smith, Co-Chair

Media Application Form

Barb Haluszka, Executive Director - Email
Office: 269-962-0592; Fax: 269-962-8687
 
2016 BATTLE CREEK FIELD OF FLIGHT AIR SHOW & BALLOON FESTIVAL JUNE 29 -JULY 4, 2016
W.K. KELLOGG AIRPORT BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN

Come on out for Community Kick-Off Day/Wacky Wednesday on June 29th this year. We're going to kick-off the event with amazing style and in great value with a family fun night out! Admission will be FREE for everyone and parking will be FREE as well.

Wacky Wednesday

The highlight of the day will be "Wacky Wednesday". This will be the ONLY time during the entire event that you will be able to taste some of the terrific food offered at a discounted price! So make sure you come hungry so you can experience what many air show fans have dubbed the "Best Air Show Food". Although all of our food vendors will be participating in this great promotion, this is what the Best Around Food Booths will be offering:

• $2 Corn Dogs
• $3 Sausage Dogs
• $3 Funnel Cakes
• $3 Elephant Ears
• $3 Fried Cheese
• $3 Saratoga Chips

Big Creamalot will be offering

• $1.00 off all items!!

Schlotzsky's will be offering

• A FREE bag of chips with purchase of a sandwich and soft drink

Beaches Concessions will be offering

• $2.00 for a Small Carmel Corn

Ibison will be offering

• $1.00 off Elephant Ears & Funnel Cakes; $1.00 off Strawberry Shortcake & Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes

Fire Kissed Pizza will be offering

• $5.00 Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizzas and $5.00 Pepperoni & Cheese Pizzas

Red Chili Pepper Cafe and B & S Sweet Treats will be offering specials on Specialty Items

YUM! So grab some discounted food (available at ALL of our booths) as part of Wacky Wednesday and then sit back, relax and enjoy our Community Kick-Off Day activities.

Handicapped Parking with Handicap Sticker or License Plate: Please advise Parking Volunteers that you or someone in the vehicle is handicapped. They will direct you to the proper location. We have a Free Shuttle Service that will run back and forth from the Handicapped Parking area to the main gate. 

At the Main Gate, Randy's Mobility Rentals is there to assist! They have Electric Carts that rent for $10.00 per hour up to five (5) hours or maximum $50.00 for the entire day. They have wheelchairs and wagons that rent for $5.00 per hour up to five (5) hours or a maximum of $25.00 per day. Carts can be reserved the day you plan to attend by calling 407-492-2321. You will have to give time of arrival, name and credit card number to reserve your unit.

Handicapped Porta Jon's are on site

Please remember we are on grass but we do have runways and taxiways that we can use to be mobile on.

Below is a list of all of the Crafters, Novelty & Commercial Vendors confirmed for the 2016 event. There is something for everyone to try or buy! Whether you feel like checking out a cooking show or experiencing the Air Force Performance Lab, you'll be able to do it here! Kids won't want to miss the Water Bubble Ride or face painting. Don't forget to purchase the glow in the dark items offered, they make our nighttime activities even MORE fun! Of course, there are prizes to be won and souvenirs to be taken home. So make sure you save the time to shop and see all that is offered at the 2016 event.

• Cheryl Tipkin (Handcrafted Jewelry)
• WAIR Art (Air Brushed Face Painting & Body Art)
• Soy Comfort Candles (Hand Poured Soy Candles)
• TG Creations (Wooden signs, bobby pins, wreaths, totes)
• Ethnic Fusion (Hand Bags, Dream Catcher & Leather Bracelets)
• Amazing Grace (Free Gospel Literature)
• Discovery Toys (Educational Toys, Books & Games)
• Night Lights (Flashing glowing hats, glasses, swords & all glow in the dark items)
• Xue Chong (Hats, Sunglasses, Purses, Belts, Cell Phone Cases, Dresses)
• Fun 4 US (Water Bubble Ride)
• L.I.E Gifts (RC Toys featuring Cars & Copters)
• Thiry-One (Wonderful Thirty-One Bags & Product)
• Accessorize & More (Hipklips, Wallet/Cell Phone Cases, Sarongs & Bubble Guns)
• Perfect Products (Folding Chairs, Wagons, Umbrellas, Earplugs, Sunscreen, Toys, Sunglasses)
• Armed Forces Store (US Air Force Thunderbird Wearables)
• Sutherland Sales (Gripstics - Kitchen Bag Sealer)
• Fashion Plus (T-Shirts & Wearables)
• Everdry Waterproofing (Foundation Waterproofing. Register to win $250.00 Gift Card)
• All Weather Seal (Info on Metal Roofing, Windows, Siding & More!)
• Randy's Mobility Rentals (Handicap Scooters, Wagons and wheel chairs for rent)
• WIN 98.5 Radio (Official Radio Station for the event)
• Vacation Village (Vacation & Travel Destination)
• Northern Vacation (Northern Michigan Vacation Packages)
• Sir Home Improvements (Replacement Windows, Roofing, Siding and bathroom remodels)
• Bath Fitter (One Day Bath & Shower Remodeling)
• Express Jet
• Kitchen Craft (American Made Kitchen Accessories & Cooking Demonstration)
• Kazoo Cobras Basketball Team (Promotion of the Pro Basketball Team in Kalamazoo, MI)
• Benjamin's Beaver Creek (Northern Michigan Golf Packages)
• Outdoor Adventures (Register to win $20,000 or a Truck Giveaway)
• Songs for Sound (Promoting Healthy Hearing & Free Screenings)
• US Air Force Display (Air Force Performance Lab - Free Experience)

We will have two beer tents located on the main event grounds where you will be able to purchase alcohol. Nothing wets the whistle better on a hot day than beer, especially while you are enjoying the sound of freedom!

Dan Henry Distributing is the official distributor of beer for the 2016 event. The following drinks are available:

ON DRAFT:

• Miller Lite
• Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
• Blue Moon Belgian White
• Cheboygan Blueberry Cream Ale
• Veteran Blonde Bomber

CANS:

• Miller Lite
• Coors Light
• Labatt Blue
• Labatt Blue Light
• Pabst Blue Ribbon
• Twisted Tea
• Redd's Apple Ale
• Coronoa
• Angry Orchard Crisp
• Truly Spiked & Sparkling Colima Lime
• Henry's Orange Hard Soda
• Frank's Original Bloody Mary

You must be 21 or Older on the date of purchase to be able to purchase and consume alcholic beverages. Proper ID will be required in order to receive the wristband that states you are "Over 21", this way you can purchase beer at the tents throughout the day. Anyone under 21 or without a valid ID will be denied sales.

Please drink responsibly and follow all rules posted at the event. We reserve the right to limit amount purchased for numerous reasons.

Remember, NO ALCOHOL OR GLASS ALLOWED IN COOLERS OR OTHERWISE! The Beer Tents will be the only place to purchase alcohol during the event

Please remember to stay hydrated! While beer certainly tastes good, make sure you are drinking water during the festival too. Stay hydrated and you'll enjoy the show even more!

The United States Army National Guard will be at the Field of Flight this year with the UH-60M Blackhawk Static Display.

The Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk is the US Army's primary medium lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. The aircraft is a twin-engined helicopter with a single four-bladed rotor and single four-bladed tail rotor that carries three crew (pilot, co-pilot & crewchief) and up to 11 combat troops. The aircraft can servce in the utility,air assault, medivac, command and control and reconnaissance roles.

The Blackhawk is one of the most famous, well-known and popular helicopters ever designed. The M model (UH-60M) is the newest "glass cockpit" version of the reliable UH-60 Blackhawk. You will be able to get up close and personal with the UH-60 Blackhawk at this year's Field of Flight as well as get the chance to get some information on the Army National Guard.

The UH-60M Blackhawk will be on display during air show times July 1st through the 4th. The Blackhawk will be coming to us from the 1-147th Assault Battalion based in Grand Ledge, Michigan

Don't miss your chance to check out this amazing, interactive display. Reel FX & the United States Air Force partnered up to bring you the next generation of mobile recruiting experiences in this one-of-a-kind attraction. But the goal of the display isn't just to get people interested in careers in the Air Force, but also to get people more interested in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM).

You are welcomed to the the attraction by a mock-up F-16 Fightning Falcon painted in Thunderbird colors (a perfect spot for photos). But the real amazing stuff begins once you step inside.

Once inside, you will be able to check out the Exploratory Career room, where you can explore more than 30 Air Force career possibilities on iPads. You can then take on other challenges as well that test your brain and physical ability. In the Cognitive Skill Analysis, you will be able to work your way through multi-gesture challenge games that will test your logic/reasoning, situational awareness and spatial/mechanical skills. The Kinect 2 Pull-Up Bar Challenge is a physical challenge that will pit you against real Airmen in a pull-up battle. You will also have your chance at the Oculus Rift Flight Simulator. This real-time flight simulator gives you the chance to pilot a fighter jet through a challenging course, using throttle and stick control and complete with a rumbling seat and feedback from a mock Air Traffic Controller. Its certainly a thrill, but you are also being graded! You will be judged on speed and accuracy. 

Do you think you have what it takes? This attraction is open to those of all ages throughout the event and it will inspire kids of all ages to "reach for the sky".

Returning to Battle Creek for his 2nd year, Andrew 'AJ' Nels, from Atlanta, Georgia will be flying his new balloon called Astro Racer in the Field of Flight Balloon Competition. His old balloon was Big Red Balloon 

AJ has been a licensed hot-air balloon pilot for over 11 years, logging over 135 pilot-in-command hours. When he's not flying his balloon, he is employed at an Engineer at Delta Airlines.

Returning to Battle Creek for his 2nd year, Andrew 'AJ' Nels, from Atlanta, Georgia will be flying his new balloon called Astro Racer in the Field of Flight Balloon Competition. His old balloon was Big Red Balloon 

AJ has been a licensed hot-air balloon pilot for over 11 years, logging over 135 pilot-in-command hours. When he's not flying his balloon, he is employed at an Engineer at Delta Airlines.

Kevin Kamp has been a licensed hot-air balloon pilot since 2002, but has been around the sport since 1986 when a friend asked him to come crew for Susan Stamats, another long time participant in the Field of Flight. Kevin spent 16 years as crew before getting his own balloon and pilot's license. Kevin and his family reside in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and he makes his living as a Professional Photographer. The name of Kevin's balloon is "Linn-'Air'-ea". This will be his 6th year participating in the Battle Creek Field of Flight Hot-Air Balloon Competition.

Visit Kevin's website

 Commercial balloon pilot, flight instructor, and competitor.  Finished the 2015 New Mexico competition year 4th overall and will compete in the US Nationals later this year. Recently completed four years as the Flying Events Director for the Albuquerque Aerostat Ascension Association, the world’s largest single location ballooning organization, hosting typical monthly events of between 30 and 100+ balloons.  Served two terms as President of Top Gun, the NM Competition Balloon Club and Event Organizer for the Rio Grande Classic.  Represented the United States at the reenactment of the first balloon flight in the birthplace of ballooning, Annonay France.

Jeremy King was born and raised in Indianola Iowa, where the National Hot-Air Balloon Championships used to be held, so he has been around the hot-air ballooning world all his life. He started as a baby being pulled around the balloon field in a wagon while his mother sold programs. As he got older he was able to sell programs himself.  At the age of 14 he signed up to crew and right there knew he wanted to be a pilot someday.  It took many years of crewing and flying with friends before he decided to go get a balloon and license himself. 

In 2003 Jeremy started his training in a good friend's balloon. In early 2004 Jeremy talked his crew chief into driving down to Florida to pick up a balloon. He has been a licensed hot-air balloon pilot since 2005 with over 565 hours as pilot-in-command of a balloon and he received his commercial license in June 2008. Now he is training some of his crew to become pilots.

Jeremy is a handyman as well as the proud dad of his son, Cooper Wade King. He will be flying the balloon called "That One There" and he flies for "HBC Specialized Contracting". Jeremy truly loves to be in the air and see the faces of people when he comes floating by. His crew consists of Brad Morris and Jean & Courtney Grant.This will be his 6th year participating the event.

Check out Jeremy's website
LIKE his Team Flyin' KOAT Facebook Page
KOAT = King Of All Trades.

Visit Battle Creek/Calhoun County Convention and Visitors Bureau for Local Attractions & Hotels in and near
Battle Creek, Michigan

The Great State of Michigan is very proud of its' lumbering past. So what better way to celebrate it than with the Great Lakes Timber Show?
America's Most Entertaining Lumberjack Show will be showcased at the Field of Flight. Be amazed as you see what the best lumberjacks in the nation have to offer. We guarantee a good time and good, clean family fun.

The Great Lakes Timber Show includes:

• Chainsaw Carving (Watch them carve a chair out of a log)
• Axe Throwing (Who doesn't find axes flying through the air at a target interesting?)
• Two-Man Crosscut Sawing (Teamwork at its finest)
• Modified Chainsawing (Makes things a bit more difficult)
• Log Rolling (One of the most fun aspects of the event. Two people, one log, who will last the longest? You may even have a chance to challenge the log)

Just ask our fans who have attended this show in the past. Rave reviews, fun and absolutely hilarious. They are loved at the Field of Flight. Just how professional and talented are the performers? Each one of them are World Champion Loggers and Lumberjacks. They are simply the best in their respective fields.

Make sure you don't miss this AMAZING Lumberjack Show as it is featured at this year's Field of Flight. So we'll have tons of timber fun for all!

Website: http://www.laughsandlures.com/TimberShow.html