September 3, 2011
"Up Up And Away" - For Hot Air Balloon Competition
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
HARRISON, AR - Just like the song from the 5th Dimension recorded in 1967, that's just what will be happening in Harrison, Arkansas as over 20 balloons come to town to compete for cash and prizes. The Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the 16th Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship on September 9-11, 2011 in Harrison, Arkansas.
This special outdoor event which began in 1995 will be held in and around beautiful downtown Harrison.
Activities will kick off Friday evening at the south campus of North Arkansas College with over 20 balloons tethered for the exciting balloon glow. Tethered rides are available for $5 a person. The event will continue through Sunday with several balloon race competitions for all to enjoy.
Beginning Saturday morning at 7:30 (and also on Sunday) will be the first of two "ring grabs" at the First National Bank Soccer Complex (just south of the junior high school on South Pine St.). Balloons will launch from various locations, depending on weather conditions.
Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. the "Hare and Hound Race" will launch from the field across from FedEx, just off US 65 on the north side of Harrison. During this event, the Hare will take off first, followed by the Hounds to see who can get closest to a marked spot.
Come experience the "Annual Hot Air Balloon Adventure." You (and your family) will be glad you did. Bring your cameras and lawn chairs for some great family fun right here in Harrison. Aside from the tethered rides, all events are free and open to the public.
For more information on this and other events in Harrison, including hotel, motel and restaurant listings, phone numbers and web site addresses, contact the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at (870) 741-1789 or (toll free at 1-888-283-2163) or visit their web site at www.HarrisonArkansas.org
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
