37th ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI CHAMPIONSHIP HOT AIR BALLOON FEST

The 37th annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest is set to kick off this year with a Launch Party on the Historic Canton Square on Thursday, June 30, from 6-9 p.m. with live entertainment by Travelin’ Jane Band, food and beverage trucks, activities for children, and more! Shops around the Square stay open late for visitors to enjoy.

In collaboration with City of Canton, City of Ridgeland, The Good Samaritan Center, and the Mid-Mississippi Balloon Association, Canton’s Balloon Fest remains one of the town’s major signature events, hosted by the Canton Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“What an exciting weekend we have planned full of family fun events to celebrate Independence Day,” says Canton Tourism Executive Director, May McCarty. “We invite everyone to join us!”

 In addition to the Thursday evening Launch Party, visitors can head over to Northpark Mall in Ridgeland Friday night for more live music and patriotic festivities. Balloon pilots return to Canton Saturday for an all-day schedule of activities and excitement at the Canton Multipurpose Center. The morning begins with a competition flight by balloonists, and a Balloon Chase Bike Ride for registered participants, hosted by Good Samaritan. Picking things back up at 6 p.m., visitors can participate in a variety of events, including Good Samaritan’s Balloon Chase Run/Walk, Kid’s One Mile Fun Run, and $5,000 Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser, followed by a captivating Balloon Glow and an over-the-top fireworks extravaganza to close out the evening. Food trucks and kid’s activities return also, with live music by Ralph Miller as well as Full Circle Party Band! Pilots finish the weekend Sunday morning with a Fun Flight back at the Multipurpose Center before leaving town until next year’s celebration brings them back for more.

Be sure to tune in to SuperTalk Radio, Thursday, June 16 at 9:30 a.m. to hear from event organizers for more info. To register for the Good Samaritan bike ride or run, to purchase Golf Ball Drop tickets, and for a full schedule of events for the entire weekend, visit the Balloon Fest page under the Events tab on Canton Tourism’s website at www.cantontourism.com. You can also follow along for regular updates via the Canton Tourism Facebook or Instagram accounts.

For more information about Canton Tourism, and for details about Balloon Fest and other upcoming events, please visit www.cantontourism.com or call Canton Tourism at 601-859-1307