It’s time to fly and celebrate the sky

The COVID-19 pandemic may have grounded the 2020 Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship and Celebration in the Sky temporarily, but now it is time to get our and Celebrate the Sky!

The 25th Annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship and Celebration in the Sky will take place Friday, April 16 through Sunday, April 18. The event is presented by RE/MAX Unlimited and sponsored by the following local organizations:

Arvest Bank

Black Hills Energy

Cavender’s

Century 21

Cone/Shelnutt Masonry

Cornerstone Bank

Equity Bank

Explore Harrison

First Community Bank

First National Bank of North Arkansas

Guild Mortgage

Hampton Inn

Holiday Inn Express

Jamie’s Restaurant

Jerry Jackson Realty

Jones Physical Therapy

K.O.A. Holiday

Main Street Service Center

North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education

Neighbor’s Mill

Nikki’s Hometown Pharmacy

Orion

Pace Industries

Pepsi Beverages Company

Quality Inn

ReMax

Sam Alexander Pharmacy

Weichart Realtors

Wood Motor Company

Wood Motor Powersports

Volunteer opportunities are still open to help with the event proceedings. Volunteers will assist hot air balloon pilots in launch, flight, chase, landing, deflation and pack-up. Must be dependable and able to remain attentive to the pilot’s instructions for all tasks throughout the festival. Hours are Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Any volunteer who works two shifts will get a free t-shirt. Please visit exploreharrison.com or call 870-741-1789 to sign up.

Friday, April 16

4 p.m.— Parking in Airport field ($5 donation to BACA)

4 p.m. to 8 p.m—Children’s Paper Airplane Competition

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Helicopter rides by Arkansas Helicopters

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Brick Oven Pizza Beer and Wine Garden

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Food and Retail Vendors

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.—Explore Harrison Balloon Glow

Saturday, April 17

7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.—Balloon Flights and Key-Grab Competition

9:30 a.m.—Parking in Airport Field ($5 donation to Rotary Club)

9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.—Food and Retail Vendors

9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.—Helicopter rides by Arkansas Helicopters

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—Boone County Regional Airport Fly-In

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—Cornhole Tournament

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.—Children’s Paper Airplane Competition

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.—Balloon Glow

12 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Live Music

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.—Pilot Paper Airplane Competition

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.—Balloon Glow

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Brick Oven Pizza Beer and Wine Garden

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Harrison Police and Fire Department Vehicle Display

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.—Explore Harrison Balloon Glow

Sunday, April 18

7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.—Balloon Flights and Key-Grab Competition

For more information call Explore Harrison at 870-741-1789 or visit exploreharrison.com/events.