Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

Final preparations were being made Thursday ahead of Howell’s 40th Michigan Challenge Balloonfest this weekend.

The summer time tradition kicks off at 2 pm Friday.

“We’re going to have folks stationed. All of our volunteers will be in place. We’re going to have the carnival going. We’re going to have the open-air marketplace ready to go. Food vendors will already be set and making food. And the entertainment will be starting,” festival chairman Jacob Andrews told WHMI News.

Attendees will see at least one major change when arriving at Howell High School.

“We kind of changed the footprint of the entire event. There was actually some construction that was supposed to be happening right now, which kind of forced the change. But truly it’s very positive,” said Andrews.

“We’ve been able to condense the event a little bit and actually make more room for parking. The carnival is in a fantastic place, prominently displayed right in front of the high school. That was handicapped parking last year. We’ve actually opened up more handicap accessibility and more handicap parking as well.”

Organizers urge attendees to download the Balloonfest app for information on parking, and what can and cannot be brought onto school grounds. Alcohol is prohibited, but coolers of food and drinks are allowed.

While there is no parking fee, it is $5 a person at the gate.

The Fantasy of Lights Fundraiser, Balloons & Brews also returns for a fourth year. Saturday's fundraiser offers an evening of beer tasting, food, games and entertainment in downtown Howell. You must be 21 or older to enter.

More information is linked below.