BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A popular summer event in Southwest Michigan is now joining the long list of cancellations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, the Board of Directors of the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival announced that they are cancelling this year’s event.
In a written statement, Executive Director Barbara Haluszka said, “We have all had such positive attitudes during the COVID-19 shutdown and believed that by July things would be ‘normal’ enough to hold the event. But the reality is we are not back to any type of normal and we all must continue to do our part to keep everyone around us safe. Having a small gathering is not permitted, let alone an event with 124,000 people.”
The festival, which takes place at the W.K. Kellogg Airport, is known for its air shows, hot-air balloons, carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, fireworks display, and much more. It was set to take place July 1st through the 5th, as many visitors make it a part of their 4th of July celebrations.
This would have been the 40th year of the festival and the first time in nearly five years that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were going to be the headliner.
Now, organizers are hoping for a better festival in 2021. “There’s a long list of disheartening events happening in the world right now because of COVID-19, which is why we must now look forward to 2021 and pray that we will have every reason to celebrate together next year,” Haluszka said.
“I know that the people of Battle Creek will support the return of this event in 2021,” stated Mayor Mark Behnke.
More information can be found on the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival website. Photos from last year’s event can be found here.
