US balloon celebration moves to Kansas Speedway

A balloon festival in America's Midwest will this year be held at a famous Kansas racetrack. The Kansas Speedway’s president, Patrick Warren, said:

“We are the perfect backdrop for this signature Midwest event which is expected to draw tens of thousands of people.”

Every year, the hot air balloon festival holds such events as tethered rides in balloons, mass ascensions, evening balloon glows, a carnival, a barbeque competition, and children’s activities. This year’s will be sponsored by the U.S. bank, who will also attend the event. Festival president, Robbie Small, said:

“Thanks to the support of our title sponsor U.S. Bank, we will once again draw families and individuals to Kansas City to an event that not only entertains, but creates a memorable experience that can only be described as magical.”

Mark Holland, Mayor of Kansas City, added that it was the perfect chance to welcome new visitors and guests from across the Midwest and metropolitan area to the region. He also said that it would provide possibilities for residents and local businesses. Unique events for this year will include special balloon shapes, such as a 105-foot Elvis, a Darth Vader and the world’s largest balloon. There will also be a 5k race, an Elvis tribute act, a live band competition on Friday and Saturday nights, a charitable balloon race, and a large ‘Kidz Zone’. The 2014 US Bank Midwest Balloon Festival is due to take place from the 8th-10th August this year, on the Kansas Speedway, Kansas City. The festival will also cover an additional 50 acres west of the Speedway.