Our Mission Statement:

The mission of this organization is to promote hot air ballooning in Battle Creek and educate local youth and citizens about the science and spirit of ballooning through on-site visits to local schools and balloon events held in December.  The organization shall not be used to promote any private or public organization or business with out permission of the Board of Directors of the HBF, Inc.

Holiday Balloons Fest takes to the air
over Battle Creek

Our History:

Holiday Balloon Fest began in 1998 at Kellogg's Cereal City USA in Battle Creek. The fest has grown from having only  13 pilots that first year to over 70 Hot Air Balloonists in 2008.

As the event and the excitement of this winter ballooning event grew, the attendance has grown right along with it. The attendance for 1998 was 5000 and now the Holiday Balloon Fest is attracting over 25,000 people to Battle Creek and growing!

In 2009 HBF hosted the Balloon Federation of America US National Championships.

Holiday Balloon Fest is involved in the Community with such organizations as the United Way, CIR (Community Inclusive Recreation), The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots,  WOOD TV 8 - WOTV 4 Angel Tree and Food Bank of South Central Michigan.

Balloonist Education:

We provided an education tent at the US Nationals to teach youth and adults alike about ballooning.

Balloonist and crew have visited local area elementary schools.

Pilots and crew have inflated their balloons on school grounds for the kids and educate our community's youth as to the history and safety facts of Hot Air Ballooning

We have entertained the youths, as well as shown them how they can become involved in all the action and fun that balloonists enjoy.

Students have enjoyed creating a centerpiece for the Holiday Balloon Fest with the year's theme.

Below: HBF Charter Members are awarded at the Brunch concluding the 2004 event.
Front - Back: Edd Higbee, John Gibbons,
Jenny Britten, Sue Lucas,
Derrick Jones & David Jones.

Havin' Fun ....

... with strategy: family style!