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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 16, 2008

METRO NY BALLOON & MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO BROOKHAVEN AUGUST 8, 9 AND 10 WITH EXPANDED ENTERTAINMENT

Expanded Festival features hot air balloons, mega-kites, more than 40 top bands, extreme sports, monster trucks and much more

Highlights of the Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival include:

Hot Air Balloons 
The Festival will feature more than 35 spectacular hot air balloons taking part in 5 mass balloon inflations.  Balloons will be inflated together and some will fly away while others will stay on site and offer tethered rides, wind and weather permitting, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. only.  Balloons of various sizes and shapes will create a spectacular rainbow of color across the field and in the air in keeping with the Festival’s theme, “Reach for the Sky.”

Monsters of Metal – Monster Truck Rally
The Festival will feature four world class monster trucks that will spring to life as they race, jump and perform amazing stunts.  Their 1,500 horsepower engines will be roaring as they compete in several Monster Truck Rallies each day during the Festival.  Spectators will find the experience exhilarating as they watch these giants race, fly and destroy everything in their paths. 

Newton Carnival Midway
The carnival midway will return to the Festival for its second year.  Due to enormous demand, the carnival has been expanded, nearly doubling the number of rides and games from last year.  Festival patrons young and old will enjoy thrilling rides, exciting games and hours of entertainment at the Festival’s carnival midway.  All rides and games will be provided by Newton Shows, a leading and respected provider of carnival amusements for more than 50 years.

Maximum Velocity Stunt Team
Maximum enjoyment is promised as fans watch professional BMX bike riders and skateboarders show their stuff.  Nationally recognized Extreme athletes will perform outrageous tricks and show off their skills as they take on the 14 foot high half pipe and full street course.  Maximum Velocity Shows will thrill the crowds again and again several times each day during the Festival.

Team FMX
Motorcycle jumping is an extreme sport that requires daring, agility and intense concentration.  Skilled riders will demonstrate their mastery of their motocross dirt bikes as they jump high enough to “Reach for the Sky.”  Fans won’t want to miss these amazing aerial acts and street bike stunts taking place at the Festival. 

Mega-Kite Spectacular
These Giant Kites are a new and fascinating addition to the 2008 Festival.  A collection of colorful and special shaped mega-kites from all over the world will dance above everyone.  They will soar in the sky, weather permitting, each day, several times a day during the Festival.  The Guinness World Record “Largest Kite in the World” known as the MegaFlag is sure to be a breathtaking sight to see. Check Festival schedule for daily flight times. This giant American Flag kite is over 10,000 sq. ft. and has flown at events around the world.

Skydiving Performances
The Skydiving Team will have all eyes looking up to see the team in their bright skydiving suits effortlessly forming synchronized patterns high in the sky.  Skydiving shows twice each day and a “mass” jump spectacular on Saturday afternoon is certain to grab everyone’s attention.  

Purina Pet Pavilion – Featuring the Purina Incredible Dog Team
Guests will enjoy the Purina Incredible Dog Team where dogs will perform extraordinary acrobatic tricks for 4 shows daily.  Pets are part of many families and therefore pet lovers will want to visit the Purina Pet Pavilion to see the vast display of the latest in pet supplies and products available today. At least sixty vendors will be on hand to talk “pets.”  Special guests in the Pet Pavilion will be the tattoo-covered, tough guys from Rescue Ink – the local non-profit organization formed to aid in battling animal abuse and neglect, and to assist existing animal welfare agencies and animal shelters.

Home Improvement Show 
East Coast Consumer Shows is hosting a showcase that homeowners who are remodeling a kitchen, bath or making other home improvements will not want to miss.  Vendors and craftsmen will be on hand to answer questions, offer suggestions and ideas and introduce visitors to new products, services and materials in the marketplace.  

The Runway Rendezvous Car and Motorcycle Show
The car and motorcycle show will feature dozens of the latest tricked out vehicles and many classics.  From custom bikes and the latest street machines to classic Corvettes and rods from the 50s, the Festival’s car show will be one of the most impressive to take place on Long Island this summer.

Vintage Fire Truck Muster
While at the Festival, young and old will gain a renewed appreciation for the equipment that firefighters of bygone years depended upon.  Visitors can see everything from horse-drawn and hand-drawn antique apparatus to what eventually replaced them, classic red fire trucks from volunteer fire departments across Long Island.  A close up look at this collection of vintage trucks will be a treat for kids and adults who always wanted to be firemen. Proceeds from the Fire Truck exhibition will go to the Town of Brookhaven & Town of Islip Fire Museums.

East End Helicopter Tour
Adventurous Festival-goers can get a “balloon’s-eye” view of the entire Festival and local beaches from a helicopter. See beautiful Long Island in a scenic air tour unimaginable from the ground. Cost is $65 per person. All aircraft flown by East End Helicopter are held to rigorous FAA standards and are inspected by the FAA. All pilots are military, law enforcement and Bell Factory trained with hundreds and some with thousands of hours of flight time. East End Helicopter has a perfect safety and complaint record.

Musical Performances on 3 Big Concert Stages

Classic Rock Power Trio Zebra will pay their only Long Island performance this summer at the Festival on Sunday night.

The Saw Doctors - Direct from Ireland - will offer their classic Irish music at the Festival on Saturday night. 

Teen favorite, Long Island’s own Push Play will rock the festival.

Big Shot, performing the hits of Billy Joel.

The Machine, a touring Pink Floyd tribute band will perform with a spectacular laser light show.

Dark Star Orchestra, who recreate Grateful Dead shows, song for song, live on stage. 

Unforgettable Fire, performing the music of U2.

Bad Medicine, a tribute to Bon Jovi.

Beginnings, a tribute to Chicago.

Street Survivor, a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen.

Dr. K’s Motown Revue, bringing the best of the Motown music and more.

Stealin’ Dan, the 13 piece tribute to Steely Dan.

Seven Turns, best of the Allman Brothers.

Evolution, a tribute to Journey.

Cass Dillon, an emerging artist and singer/songwriter, from Long Island, New York whose first major release was penned by Billy Joel.

Party 105 Mega Jam 10th Anniversary Party with: Fat Joe, Naughty by Nature, Pitbull, Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child), Frankie J,  La Bouche, Colby O’Donnis, George LaMond, Lumidee, Nina Sky, Reina, Sylver Logan Sharp, Veronica, Kim Sozzi, Lucas Prata, Noel, Ian Van Dahl, LMFAO, Denise Rviera, NGP, Fawni, Ercola featuring Daniella, Ercola featuring Jeremy and Anane.

Astoria Federal Savings Children’s Jubilee
Guinness Book of World Record Holding Juggler Bruce Sarafin performing multiple shows daily.
Starfish –children’s music rock band performing a concert set on Sunday morning August 10th.
Kings of the Coast - interactive Live Action Family Pirate Show performing multiple shows daily.
Parade of Children’s Characters – daily parades down the main street tarmac.

Eddy’s Long Island RV Show
Eddy’s LIRV is one of the nation’s leading RV Dealers, will hosts one of the summer’s largest displays of state of the art recreational vehicles and related equipment.

NY Marine Trades Association Boat Show
Recreational boating continues to be a passion for Long Islanders. This massive boat show will feature dozens of brands from more then 20 regional dealers. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest models, technology and equipment up close and personal.   

Seafood Festival
Paul Houghton from Catering Long Island Style in Patchogue, NY will provide an outstanding spread of regional seafood specialties including clams, mussels, scallops, shrimp, lobster and squid.

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.