Turf Valley in Ellicott City Maryland
May 13-15, 2010
Up to 20 Hot Air Balloons - 3 Days - 4 Events
Crafters - Vendors - Local Entertainment

The 2010 Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival is one of the many events planned during the week-long series of special events celebrating the annual running of the Preakness Stakes, Baltimore's "Super Bowl" and the 2nd jewel in thoroughbred racing's prestigious Triple Crown. The Festival has a long and colorful tradition going back over 20 years.

Turf Valley in Ellicott City, Maryland will light up the skies again this year and be the Centerpiece Venue to host the balloon festival. Spectators will enjoy the wonder of hot air balloons, specialty crafts, entertainment, and good food during this fun, family-friendly festival.

A Beautiful Morning Balloon Launch!

FREE ADMISSION to watch each event. Please note scheduled opening times have been changed because schools are now in session on Friday.
-->>Activities begin 3PM on Thursday and end on Saturday following morning balloon launch.
-->>This is a grand opportinity to pack the kids in the car and come out to enjoy the fun.

Events to include:
>>Four mass ascensions of hot air balloons. Balloon rides are available for $200 a person.
>>Balloon Glow on Thursday and Friday
>>Tethered Balloon Rides. Go up 60-80 feet for up to 2 minutes. Experience the thrill.
>>Walk-thru Balloon
>>Children's Preakness PeeWee Derby
>>Craft Vendors
>>Other Children's Entertainment
>>Specialty Food and Drinks

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT PARKING For the afternoon/evening activities from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM: SATELLITE PARKING for the public will be at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Vehicle access into Turf Valley will be by parking pass and handicapped designated. The public is asked to park at the satellite parking site located at the Howard County Fair Grounds. A fee of $5.00 per car load will be asked for parking. The Elkridge Adult Athletic Association will be coordinating the parking and collecting the donation in part to support their community sponsored projects. Shuttle busses will be available starting at 2:30pm and will run throughout the evening. For the 6:30 AM balloon launches on Friday and Saturday: All parking will take place at Turf Valley. NO satellite parking will be available.

Featured Balloon

The All American Football Special Shape Balloon brings to the 2010 festival a very important message about Autism. Pilot Henry Rosenbaum wants the Autism message to be seen by everyone. We are seeking a sponsor for this special shape balloon's very important message. Sponsor will receive a balloon flight for one person on board the All American Football during the festival. Call 410-442-5566 for details.

Banner Sponsorship Opportunities are Available:
-- Your advertising banner will be displayed on one of our giant hot air balloons
>>Envelope Banners
>>Basket Banners
-- Your ad will be visible to local and national media. Increased promotional advertising of the event is our primary effort. We are working hard to assure a large turnout of the public at each event.

Corporate Balloons:
We are planning on hosting several new corporate balloons. If you have a corporate balloon and are interested in flying, please email us.

Sport Balloons:
This is an invitational event. We currently have a waiting list of Sport Balloon Pilots who want to fly. If you wish to be added for consideration, email us.

Crafters/Vendors:
Call 410-442-5566 or email to discuss details. Cost of a 10' X 10' space is $250. Opening times are: Thursday and Friday - 3:00pm to 8:30pm.

photo by Scott Richardson

photo by TabellasPhotography.com

photo by Richard Ruehl

Past Years:
Curves and IMTS balloons on display at Baltimore Inner Harbor in 2007.

Friday Night Glow 2006 at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore -- Balloons setting up.

photo courtesy: Kay Douglas

Balloons preparing to launch at Oregon Ridge in 2006.

photo courtesy: Kenny Adamsbaum