2016 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. Joe Heartsill - Texas Racer Balloon
2. Steve Mitchell
3. Rhett Heartsill
4. John Petrehn
5. Joe Zvada
6. Aaron Foelske
7. Shawn Raya
8. AJ Nels
9. Rick Kerber
10. Larry Coan

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2016!

2015 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. Joe Zvada 8660 International Chicken Balloon
2. Johnny Petrehn 8567
3. Jeff Pestun 8191
4. Shawn Raya 8005
5. Yudai Fujita 7997
6. Steve Mitchell 7710
7. Aaron Foelske 7602
8. Susan Stamats 7001
9. Jason Adams 6904
10. Larry Coan 6812
11. Christopher Cliver 6702
12. Harold Cliver 6412
13. John Gibbons 6224
14. Guy Gauthier 6019
15. Meg Skelton 5968

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2015!

2014 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. Johnny Petrehn 7185 Kodachrome Balloon
   
2. Joe Heartsill 6559
3. Chase Donner 6546
4. Jeff Pestun 6373
5. Shawn Raya 6372
6. Joe Zvada 6304
7. Yudai Fujita 6301
8. AJ Nels 6210
9. Chris Smart 6198
10. Dominic Bareford 5616
11. Jason Adams 5395
12. Brandon Heavin 5326
13. Larry Coan 5257
14. Steve Mitchell 4999
15. Jeremy Rubin 4978

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2014!

2013 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. Joe ZVADA, TX 7950
2. Paul PETREHN, MI 7860
3. Joe HEARTSILL, TX 7730
4. Gary HEAVIN, TX 7590
5. Nick DONNER, KY 7550
6. Chris SMART, IN 7540
7. Shawn RAYA, MI 7510
8. John PETREHN, KS 7470
9. Harold CLIVER, TX 7260
10. Phil CLINGER, MI 7050
11. Jeff PESTUN, MI 6950
12. Yudai FUJITA, JPN 6880
13. Chuck WALZ, MI 6860
14. Rhett HEARTSILL, TX 6800
15. Brandon HEAVIN, TX 6680

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2013!

2012 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. John PETREHN, KS 11178 
2. Paul PETREHN, MI 10319
3. Rhett HEARTSILL, TX 10039
4. Nick DONNER, KY 9885
5. Joe HEARTSILL, TX 9660
6. Chris SMART, IN 9546
7. Robert GONZALES, TX 9501
8. Shawn RAYA, MI 8989
9. Joe ZVADA, TX 8715
10. Gary HEAVIN, TX 8711
11. Jeff PESTUN, MI 8559
12. Robert WATSON, MI 8368
13. Andy BAIRD, MI 8321
14. Jason ADAMS, ONT 8226
15. Rick KERBER, MI 8007

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2012!

2011 Hot-Air Balloon Competition Final Standings

1. Nick Donner IL 6704
2. Chase Donner GA 6500
3. Shawn Raya MI 6386
4. Tom Roush TN 6364
5. Larry Coan MI 6272
6. Joe Heartsill TX 6182
7. Paul Petrehn MI 6126
8. Phil Clinger MI 5602
9. Jeff Pestun MI 5557
10. Roy Smith TN 5421
11. Joe Zvada OH 5331
12. Rhett Heartsill TX 5215
13. Bret Christian IA 5172
14. David Troutman KY 4943
15. Jeff Sweet NC 4897

Congratulations and Thank You to all who participated in 2011!

  Joe Heartsill is from San Angelo, Texas. Joe attended the Albuquerque, New Mexico balloon festival in 1978 and knew he had to get one for himself. He purchased his balloon and didn't even know how to fly it! He has been a licensed balloon pilot for over 34 years and has over 2000 hours as pilot-in-command of a balloon. Joe works in Investments. He is married to his wife Nancy and has a daughter named Kate as well as his two sons, Rhett & Lucas.

The name of his balloon is "Texas Racer" simply because he loves to race and is from Texas. This will be his 26nd year participating in the event.

Joe placed #3 in 2013, #5 in 2012 & #6 in 2011 Hot-Air Balloon Competitions.

DESCRIPTION OF PARKING PASSES

The daily Parking Pass or general pass which simply has the number that represents the individual day you are coming, will park in the General Parking Lot off Helmer Road with the Denso Banner, or you can park in the General Lot off South Airport Road, which is LOT #6.

If you have a “Specialty Pass” such as VIP Parking Pass, Vendor Pass, Committee, Gate #6 or a pass with a special sticker, you will NEED TO USE SOUTH AIRPORT ROAD and proceed through GATE #6 (Orange Flag) and Security will direct you to the proper location.

GENERAL PARKING & ON FIELD PARKING DIRECTIONS

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 right, or east, and at the next traffic light (R & L Trucking will be on the south side) you will turn North (left) on South Airport Road (passing Duncan Aviation) and follow it until it comes to a dead end where you will see Lot #6 (Red Flag) and a “Brutsche Concrete Sign”. This is for all general parking passes. Just beyond that lot you will see GATE #6 (Orange Flag) which is for all the specialty passes as described ABOVE. You will enter the event grounds at the King Jewelers South Entrance.

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, on South Airport Road (passing Duncan Aviation) and follow it until it comes to a dead end which you will see Lot #6 (Red Flag) and a “Brutsche Concrete Sign”; this is for all general parking passes. Just beyond that lot, you will see GATE #6 (Orange Flag) which is for all the specialty passes as described ABOVE. You will enter the event grounds at the King Jewelers South Entrance.

GENERAL PARKING AT THE MAIN GATE

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), you will turn right, or North, on to Helmer Road. This will take you to the Main Parking Lot with the Red Flags and Denso Banner.

OR

Take I-94 to the Downtown Battle Creek Exit – M-66 Exit 98B. Stay on this 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 and proceed to the Main Parking Lot with the Red Flags and Denso Banner.

OR

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 (Red Flags and DENSO Banner). These directions are for daily general parking and will also take you to the RV Parking Lot.

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.

BATTLE CREEK FIELD OF FLIGHT AIR SHOW AND BALLOON FESTIVAL
W.K. Kellogg Airport
Battle Creek Field of Flight Office 269-962-0592

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.

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.

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.

All events/activities are subject to change & WEATHER PERMITTING

• Absolutely NO RAIN CHECKS.
• PLEASE bring Exact Change for Parking, which is $5.00 per Car/Truck/Motorcycle.
• Motorcycle parking on runway verses grass at the Main Entrance Gate (Helmer Road).
• On-Site RV Camping is available. Advance registration is requested and recommended until June 15th, then it will be first come, first served.
• Bus Groups are welcome.
• Kids 3ft and under are FREE EVERY DAY.
• HANDICAP PARKING & FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE AVAILABLE - Ask a parking volunteer or any Committee Member with a Radio.
• 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 and WILL be inspected at the Admission Gate.
• NO GLASS CONTAINERS.
• NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES can be brought in, but 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 loitering in the parking area to view the show. Security will ask you to pay gate admittance.
• 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.
• NO REFUNDS OR RAIN-CHECKS.

All Vendor Application Forms for 2017 will be coming soon. We appreciate your patience. Check back after Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

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

The Jake Kershaw Band will be making their Field of Flight debuts in 2016 as well. This band has been taking the Michigan Blues community by storm.

Jake Kershaw is a performer with heart. He has the raw talent, the feel, the soul and the drive of some of the most popular blues musicians in history...from Stevie Ray Vaughn to BB King. Jake spent his entire lifetime playing the guitar and fell in love with blues music in 2014 after hearing Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Since then, Jake and his three-piece band have become an unstoppable force that everyone flocks to see! And did we mention that Jake is only FIFTEEN YEARS OLD? That's right, he is a Fresham in high July 4th The Jake Kershaw Bandschool in Marshall, Michigan. He truly "blows the roof off the joint" and many have said he will be a blues monster by the time he is 20.

Terry Oosterhart is the bassist for the band. He is a veteran of the Michigan music scene and is an excellent singer in his own right.

Ryan McFadden is the drummer and he has been playing drums for twelve years. His influence is Rush's Neal Pert and Duncan Phillips of the Newsboys.

Do not miss this rare young powerhouse musician and his talented band at this year's Field of Flight as part of our Field of Rock Concert Series on July 4th. Jake Kershaw Band in Concert on July 4th

Megan Rae (Macher) was born on January 30th, 1996 in Kalamazoo, MI.  By the age of two, her parents discovered that Megan Rae had an uncanny ability to memorize lyrics, and sing on key.  As she got a little older, it became clear to her family and friends that Megan Rae had been blessed with the gift of song.  Megan Rae’s passion for music and her singing ability grew stronger with each passing day, and at six years old she made her first public appearance when she sang the National Anthem at a Kalamazoo Kings baseball game in front of over 3,000 people.  She became a regular guest soloist for both the Kings, and the Kalamazoo Wings semi-pro hockey team. 

Annual trips with her father to his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA took an interesting turn when her dad was reunited with his cousin, singer, songwriter, musician Ron ‘Hookstown’ Brown, at a family reunion.  Brown had a small recording studio in his home, and when he heard Megan Rae sing for the first time he knew that he was hearing something special.  According to Brown, “I’ve been writing, playing, and recording music for many years, and I wasn’t expecting anything more than making a fun little CD of cover songs as a keepsake for Megan.  But when she started singing, I just couldn’t believe that big, powerful voice was coming out of that little girl!  I knew we had to do something more, so we started writing songs for her”.  That’s how it all started.  Now fast forward to 2017. 

Megan Rae is only 21 years old, but she has accomplished much for someone so young.  At the age of 13, she began work on her self-titled debut album.  The album was produced by Robyn Robins, keyboard player and founding member of Bob Seger’s ‘Silver Bullet Band’.  Robins brought in past and present Silver Bullet Band members Alto Reed (sax), Shaun Murphy (background vocals/harmonies), Drew Abbott (lead guitar) for recording.  He also reached out to Paul Warren, Rod Stewart’s long time lead guitar player, who gladly contributed his incomparable skills to the project.  And if that weren't enough, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad not only played and sang on the album, he also wrote one of the cuts (“Such A Good Thing”). Singer, songwriter, musician Vince Melamed, who has written several hit songs including Trisha Yearwood’s signature number one, “Walkaway Joe”, and Ty Herndon’s number one, “What Mattered Most”, also wrote one of the cuts (“Truth’s Been Told”). 

Megan Rae traveled to L.A. to shoot a music video for the first single from her CD.  It was filmed and directed by Jim Shea.  Shea has photographed and/or shot videos for Brad Paisley, Eagles, Jackson Browne, Barbara Streisand, Olivia Newton John, and many, many other super stars.  The video has aired on TCN (The Country Network), and Megan Rae has been featured on RFD T.V.’s “Michigan Magazine Television”.  This small town Michigan girl has quickly emerged from the Midwest region as one of the most talked about female vocalists in years.  At the age of 16, she was named by the official magazine of The Country Music Association (Close Up) to their coveted annual list of “Who New To Watch”, along with Kip Moore, Dustin Lynch, Casey James, Thomas Rhett, Eric Paslay, and several other rising country music stars.

Megan Rae’s dynamic live show features a mix of old and new country favorites, classic rock standards, and her own original material, allowing her power, range, and vocal maturity to shine.

Notable Quotes:

“I believe in my heart that she (Megan Rae) will go far, EXTREMELY far”. ~ Taylor Swift

“Megan has the stuff!  She not only belts out the songs from her pretty lips but feels and expresses the music so the listeners can go on the journey with her…she’s a tender-hearted little gal in this big world with a lot to say…I am proud to have performed with her doing background vocals on her songs   along with Shaun Murphy.  How could anybody do anything but love her?  She’s great!” ~ Mark Farner…Formerly of Grand Funk Railroad

“Not since perhaps the Eagles stepping up to support Richard Marx’s debut in the 80’s, can I remember this level of support and peer acceptance for a new artist coming from such industry legends”. ~ Jim Della Croce…Mgr/Publicist Pathfinder Management and The Press Office Nashville

Website at: www.meganraemusic.com
Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/meganraeband
Spotify: http://www.reverbnation.com/meganraemusic

Racing fans, get ready for a repeat performance of intense competitive action as the BATTLE CREEK SPEEDFEST takes to our taxiways.

Competitors from all over the country will compete in the largest event of its kind in the State of Michigan. With over a half dozen racing sessions, you'll see all types of vehicles from exotics, to classics, to souped up bad boys putting the pedal to the metal to try to achieve the fastest speed and time, in just a 1/2 mile. These drivers will compete head to head to become the SPEED FEST Champion, and maybe even go for a world record.

It's not just full throttle racing, but also a car show. Don't miss your chance to check out some amazing vehicles up close while they are on display. We truly have it all, entertainment in the air and on the ground!

;"> If you love cars, then you will not want to miss this race. If you love being thrilled, then this is all for you. Don't miss this amazing event taking place during the Battle Creek Field of Flight!

The 2017 Speedfest will run June 30 - July 4. Please see our Tentative Schedule of Events for times.

Website: BCSpeedFest.com

The Battle Creek Half Marathon and 5K is Battle Creek's 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 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. The event will kickoff at 7 AM on Saturday, July 1. Please stay tuned for registration info as well as all additional info.

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 EVERY DAY OF THE 2017 EVENT. 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! Remember, the Great Lakes Timber Show will have DAILY SHOWINGS in 2017, this is different than in past years. In addition, each show will vary, so you will want to make sure you see every single one! Please see our Tentative Schedule of Events for Show Times.

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

A day just for Kids? Well, yeah. But it's a day for families too!

For just $5 per car load for parking and FREE gate admission, you can enjoy a night of family fun. This is a special day you certainly won't want to miss!

All Vendors, Event Grounds & Parking will be open at 5 PM on June 30th. In addition, Skerbeck Carnival will also open at 5 PM. Ride tickets must be purchased separately. Advanced discount wrist bands can be purchased online before June 29th. 

 We'll have our first evening Balloon Flight on the evening of Thursday, June 30th and we'll have performances by both the Great Lakes Timber Show as well as the Tim Dyson FMX Motorcycle Stunt Team. Award Winning Don Middlebrook will also be taking to the stage with his band The Pearl Divers.

KID'S DAY!

But, the main highlight of the evening will be the fact that it is Kid's Day! From 5 PM to 7 PM, we will have tons of activities for Kids. From games, to special kids activities, to prizes, this will be a time that will absolutely put a smile on the faces of your children. Make sure that you register for the chance to WIN A NEW BIKE!

Get ready to get on your feet and hold on to your hats, Tim Dyson and friends will be riding into town again this summer for an encore performance! It's one of the most amazing FMX Motorcycle Stunt shows that you have ever seen!

From X-Games athletes to upcoming talent, this FMX team will take to the airports taxiways as well as ramps setup to provide the ultimate experience in FMX motorcycle stunt shows! You will remain in awe as these bikes go soaring sky high and their riders pull off impressive feats both in the air and on the ground!

If you are looking for amazing thrills while you are at the Battle Creek Field of Flight, then look no further than Tim Dyson's FMX Stunt Show!

The FMX Motorcycle Stunt Show will take place DAILY June 29 - July 4. Check our tentative schedule of events for times.

Website: http://www.timdysonfmx.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzM_8VxHrnM

You thought Kent Pietsch's Comedy Act was cool? Well, wait for his RV Top Landing. In this attemptive act, Kent Pietsch will try (up to four times) to land his "Jelly Belly" Interstate Cadet on the "Jelly Belly" RV while both are moving. It takes massive skill to be able to land on-board a moving target.

Do not miss Kent Pietsch's attempt to land on the "World's Smallest Airport" July 1 - 4, only in Battle Creek!

Hold on to your hats! Chuck Dramamine just recently escaped from the penitentiary and he is going to interrupt our airshow. Flying in a plane he constructed in prison (hence the reason it literally will start to fall apart before your eyes) and entering our airspace while another performer is in the sky, Chuck will try his best not to crash his plane.

Of course, Chuck is really Kent Pietsch and the act is just one of the most hilarious comedy acts on the airshow circuit! The act is complete with hilarious dialouge, some crazy bad flying, wing tip dragging, props and more! You truly will not want to miss this act flown in the "Jelly Belly" Interstate Cadet.

Kent Pietsch will perform his comedy act July 1 - 4 at the Field of Flight.