Amanda Forrester / news@gmail.com

It’s almost time to watch balloons take to the sky during Howell’s 40th Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.

From June 27 through 29th, the public can enjoy the carnival, check out the entertainment and of course, watch balloonists compete to qualify for national and world competitions.

Among the entertainment scheduled, Howell Chamber of Commerce President Janelle Smith said John Park will be performing a comedy juggling routine, there will be Nerf gun wars and an exotic animal exhibit. The full schedule is linked below.

Festivities kick off when the carnival opens on Thursday at 2 p.m. The first balloon launch is scheduled for Friday evening, as early as 7 p.m. Smith said all the launches will be subject to weather. Friday evening and Saturday evening’s launches will culminate in the laser light show and balloon glow. There will be launches Saturday and Sunday morning as well.

The launches are scheduled for the morning and evening because those times tend to give the best weather for getting the balloons off the ground.

There is a full field scheduled for this year’s competition, including two shaped balloons.

For those who are looking to do a little shopping, over 100 vendors, featuring wares for everyone, will be on hand between launches.

All onsite parking is free, and the public is invited to bring coolers and picnic blankets. All guests must follow the rules of the schoolgrounds, which are listed at the website below.

Admission is $5 or a wristband can be purchased on Friday for $10 which gets attendees in for the whole weekend. This covers the costs of most of the entertainment and the balloon launches. Food, some entertainment and items from vendors will have a separate fee.

Smith said along with the balloonists competing this year, is one who has participated in all 40 years of the festival.

Balloons and Brews is also back for its 4th year. Starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, visitors 21 years and older can taste some of the best local beer, get some food and enjoy the entertainment and games. For $45, attendees receive 10 3 ounce tastings and one 12 ounce pour. For $60, visitors will receive the same as the $45, but the 12 ounce pour comes in a souvenir cup, plus they will receive a commemorative 40th Balloonfest pin and a weekend wristband to Balloonfest. The link for Balloons and Brews can be found at the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest website.

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is being held at Howell High School, located at 1200 W. Grand River Ave. The website linked below has a map of all the festivities.

(photo credit: Michigan Challenge Balloonfest)