The Holiday Balloon Fest is much more than a weekend event, an opportunity for aeronauts to congregate and enjoy fun and fellowship together. In so many ways it is about what we can do for our community, how we can address its needs, who we can help.

Since its inception we have collaborated with many area nonprofit organizations to enrich the lives of their clients, while enjoying our sport. In doing so we have enriched our own lives as well. The International Festival of Lights is an unmatched holiday celebration in lights that we have partnered with year after year, elevating the level of warmth and cheer for tens of thousands of spectators during the associated Battle Creek Holiday Parade put on by the Harper Creek Optimists, and adding to the beauty of the season.

Holiday Balloon Fest pilots blast extra warmth
in the air participating in the Battle Creek
Holiday Parade, which will occur this year on Saturday, November 20, 2010.

We have also responded to the needs of organizations like Community Integrated Recreation (CIR) and the Junior League of Battle Creek with donated balloon rides for their annual auctions to support agency programs. Support provided by HBF also enabled CIR to establish a deep and lasting relationship with Pilot “Al,” a very special pilot who in 2002 brought his unique handicap accessible balloon to Battle Creek to enjoy the hospitality of the HBF and to thrill the clients of CIR.

Photo by John Grap, Battle Creek Enquire

It has been HBF, Inc. pleasure in the past to assist a number of organizations in our community in meeting their goals, like those above, the WOOD TV 8 - WOTV 4 Angel Tree, Junior League of Battle Creek, Toys for Tots and South Central Michigan Food Bank.  It is one of our continuing goals to contribute to such worthwhile agencies and programs as we prepare everyone year after year to more fully enjoy another Joyful Holiday Season.  Come see.  Come share in the “warmth” of the Season around our baskets.

Please click the photos to see details!

Every year, Pilots & Crew compete to provide food to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan.  They have also provided toys to Toys for Tots, and the WOTV4 & WOODTV 8 Angel Trees.