Corbett Public Relations, Inc.
E-mail: wjcorbett@corbettpr.com
Tel: (516) 775-0435 ext 1
www.metronyballoonfest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 23, 2008

HOT AIR BALLOONS TO INFLATE AND SOME TO FLY MORNINGS AND AFTERNOONS AT METRO NY BALLOON & MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 8, 9 AND 10

More than 30 spectacular hot air balloons to participate in three evening and two morning hot air balloon inflations and ascensions, Mega-kites to fill the air during the day

The Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival sponsored by RE/MAX of New York, Inc. returns to Brookhaven Calabro Airport August 8, 9 and 10, 2008, will feature some of the world’s most magnificent hot air balloons.  To keep with the event’s theme “Reach for the Sky”, the Festival will include more than 30 colorful and special shape hot air balloons.  The balloons, which have graced skies in cities all around the world, will soar above the Festival twice each day from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. only, wind and weather permitting.  
In addition to morning and evening hot air balloon inflations, the sky will be the backdrop for a fantastic array of mega-kites, including the world’s largest kite in the shape of the American flag.  Kites will be part of two daily two hour shows, wind and weather permitting. 

Special and shaped balloons scheduled to appear at the Festival include:

• Arky Balloon: For the first time in the northeast this colorful balloon features biblical Noah’s Ark with over 28 animals the kids will love.  Arky has flow all over the world including Israel.  Over 85 ft. tall, 100 ft. long and 55 ft. wide.  Arky is believed to be the most complex hot air balloon ever made.
• America One Flag Balloon: Back for its second appearance this hot air balloon is larger than 700,000 3 ft. x 5 ft. U.S. flags together. This balloon is 53 ft. tall, 78 ft. wide, 29 ft. from front to back and weighs 530 pounds.  This enormous national icon will be sure to have every attendee feeling “American pride.”
• AT&T Balloon: Piloted by Scott McClinton, a pilot of 21 years, the AT&T balloon stands 82 ft. tall, 38 ft. wide and has a volume of 77,000 cubic feet.  This balloon has traveled to 11 different states and once flew over the Continental Divide in Breckenridge, Colorado at an altitude of 18,000 feet.
• Jumpin’ Jack Balloon: Based on the classic children’s toy will be a sure favorite to all the little guys.  This hot air balloon Brazilian made and stands over 46 ft. wide 100 ft. tall and has appeared at events across the U.S. and Canada.  
• Oggy The Friendly Dragon Balloon: Proudly standing at 14 stories this 800 pounds balloon is named after legendary lake monster “Oggopoggo” from Lake Okanogan, Canada.  This big green friendly dragon was always a crowd pleaser.
• “Patty” The Shamrock Balloon: This beautiful icon of Irish pride is sure to attract the attention of Festival goers.
• Statue of Liberty's head Balloon: Returning for the second time, this balloon is piloted by Gerald Lefevre and has flown at events around the world including at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
• Energizer Bunny® Hot “Hare” Balloon: At a height of more than 166 ft. this balloon is taller than the Statue of Liberty. The ears are 60 ft. tall which is as tall as the Presidents’ faces on Mt. Rushmore. 

While the skies will be full of activity, there will be more than 100 hours of music and entertainment on the ground.  All entertainment is included with festival admission.  There will be more than 40 music acts, monster truck rally, extreme sports, wrestling, Long Island’s largest carnival midway, jugglers, performing pets, pirate show and much more.  The Festival will also have dozens of food and beverage vendors, many of will be raising funds for local charities and not-for-profit organizations.  Last year the Festival helped to raise over $100,000 for local charities. 
Due to Federal Aviation Administration regulations and wind and weather conditions, hot air balloons can only inflate and attempt to fly early in the morning or late in the afternoon.  Individuals who are interested in seeing hot air balloons should watch weather reports carefully; balloons can only inflate in clear weather and can only fly if the wind is less than six to eight miles per hour and from the proper direction. 
Tickets for the Festival can be purchased online in advance at the Festival’s website.  Walk-in tickets at the Festival will cost slightly more.  Tickets for the Festival are also available at participating RE/MAX real estate offices, Curves locations and PC Richard & Sons Metro NY locations.  Discount coupons are available at all 88 McDonald’s franchise locations across the Long Island.  Advance ticket prices are adult $20, children ages 5 to 11 $12 and kids 4 and under are free.  For tickets, information and schedule of performances visit www.metronyballoonfest.com  or call (516) 794-4444.