The 12th Annual Kalamazoo Balloon Fest Presented by Zeigler Auto Group Returns August 16-17th, 2024

 

Zeigler Auto Group Presents the 12th Annual Kalamazoo Balloon Fest, August 16-17th

The 12th Annual Kalamazoo Balloon Fest, presented by Zeigler Auto Group, will take place Friday, August 16th and continue through Saturday, August 17th at Gull Meadow Farms, Richland, Michigan. The event will feature 25 balloons, 4 Balloon Flights, two evening balloon glows, a classic car show, food trucks, and a pilot meet and greet.

KALAMAZOO, MICH (August 8, 2024) - The 12th Annual Kalamazoo Balloon Fest, hosted by Zeigler Auto Group, is set for Friday, August 16th, and Saturday, August 17th at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland, Michigan. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone, with free general admission allowing the public to enjoy two balloon glows, a classic car show, a pilot meet-and-greet, and more. Parking is just $10.00 per vehicle, and while cash is preferred for quicker transactions, credit cards are also accepted.

Besides the free entertainment, there will also be fun, farm activities for $12.00 per person; and guests can choose from tons of great food from four food trucks including 2nd Hand Smoke, GMC Catering, Woodin Family Concessions, Hot Rod Grill, Skinny Kenny's, and On the Roll. For this event, please note that only service animals will be allowed.

 


Friday, August 16, 2024

10:00am - Gull Meadow Farms market opens

4:00pm - Gull Meadow Farms family activities open ($12/person)

5:00pm - Food Trucks open On The Roll Hot Rod Grill. Woodin Family Concessions,

    Taste of Toya's World, 2nd Hand Smoke, GMC Catering

6:30pm (approx.) - Hot air balloon launch from Gull Meadow Farms (weather dependent)

8:30pm (approx.) - Balloon Glow begins, family activities close for the evening

Glow will last for approximately 30 minutes once balloons are inflated

If you plan to watch the glow, plan to arrive BEFORE 8:30pm so you don't miss it!


 

Saturday, August 17, 2023

7:00-7:30am - Balloons fly in to Gull Meadow Farms

Balloons will take off just after sunrise. They will fly over the farm (weather dependent)

approximately 15-30 minutes after launching. Updates will be posted on social media

10:00am - Gull Meadow Farms market and activities open $12/person. 

10:00am-2:00pm - Car Show

4:30pm - Pilot and Crew Meet & Greet on the Balloon Field

5:00pm - Food Trucks open

6:30pm (approx.) - Hot air balloon launch from Gull Meadow Farms (weather dependent)

8:30pm (approx. - Balloon Glow begins, family activities close for the evening

Glow will last for approximately 30 minutes once balloons are inflated

If you plan to watch the glow, plan to arrive BEFORE 8:30pm so you don't miss it!



"The Kalamazoo Balloon Fest is a special and unique community event that brings 

Families & Friends together to create a memorable experience!" 

Derrick Jones, Director of the Kalamazoo Balloon Fest


 

  


Derrick Jones, who founded the Kalamazoo Balloon Fest and has been its director since its inception in 2013, said: "The Kalamazoo Balloon Fest is a special and unique community event that brings Families & Friends together to create a memorable experience!" 


Besides being the world-renowned balloon pilot responsible for the Zeigler Auto Group Hot Air Balloon-and many others-Jones has been a distinguished member of the Balloon Federation of America since 1995, and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale since 2011. He is also Director of the award-winning Zeigler Maserati Alfa Romeo of Grandville dealership.


For more information, visit Kalamazoo Balloon Fest's Facebook Page



About Zeigler Auto Group

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.


Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.


The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.


Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023.


The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor's top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.