Marysville, Ohio, United States Electronic Noticeboard
Pilot Invitation Letter
Pilot Invitation
All Ohio Balloon Fest
August 21-23, 2026
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary we have exciting news on the format for this year’s celebration and balloon event. In an effort to return one of Ohio’s longest running events to the reputation and caliber of its storied past we have contracted with Greg Miller to serve as our event advisor and Balloonmeister. We have developed a solid plan to ensure the event’s success and provide pilots with a well-organized quality competitive event open to competitors and fiesta-flyers as well.
Please read this document in its entirety before submitting your Pilot Application.
Invitation
We would like to invite you to Marysville, Ohio, on August 21 – 23, 2026; for the 50th All Ohio Balloon Fest. You will be warmly welcomed by enthusiastic spectators throughout the weekend activities and enjoy classic entertainment.
About the All Ohio Balloon Fest
The first All Ohio Balloon Fest was held back in 1975, and it’s been going strong ever since. Each August, thousands of visitors of all ages gather at the Union County Airport in Marysville to enjoy live music, activities, food vendors, sky jumping, and rides in helicopters, airplanes, and hot air balloons.
My name is Darrison Cook as the new director of the All Ohio Balloon Festival, I have a long-standing history with the festival, my grandfather was president of the chamber of commerce when the very first balloon festival was held in 1975. The festival was held to promote the city of Marysville and its residents.
Our goal is to strengthen our festival by reverting focus back to the hot air balloons and promoting Marysville. Since the transition we have had overwhelming support to bring the festival back to life, with volunteers and financial support.
Entry Fee
All participating pilots must submit with their application a non-refundable entry fee of $75. Make all checks payable to All Ohio Balloon Fest and mailed to All Ohio Balloon Fest 16526 Hillview Rd Marysville, Ohio 43040. Pilot guaranteed stipends and prize money ensure pilots will not be “out of pocket” to attend our event.
Event Amenities
Participating pilots receive propane (arrive full, leave full), first class hotel accommodations, event-provided pilot and crew dinners, competition, a guaranteed travel stipend, and prize money for the top ten competitive finishers.
Regardless of weather-related conditions precluding any flight activity all pilots are guaranteed the travel stipend.
Application Information (Deadline: April 1, 2026)
The pilot application may be submitted via Watchmefly.net. (https://watchmefly.net/
events/event.php?e= ) You may contact Greg Miller (greg.miller.ff@gmail.com ) or Jim Cusick (jfcusick1@gmail.com) with any questions regarding the event or application process.allohio2026&v=reg
Participation in this year’s event has initially been budgeted at thirty (30) balloons and, based on available sponsors, that number may be slightly adjusted. We will be sending acknowledgement letters to accepted pilots no later than May 1, 2026. You will be notified at that time if you have been accepted into the event as a participating pilot. We will maintain a waiting list once we have reached our limit.
Insurance
The All Ohio Balloon Fest will contact each pilots Insurance company to get the required additionally insured.
Every pilot is required to have a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage, $100,000 minimum property damage, and $100,000 minimum passenger liability for each passenger.
On-site Registration
Registration for all competitive and fiesta pilots will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 p.m. at the Comfort Suites. All pilot packs, maps, banners, etc. will be distributed at that time.
Balloon and pilot documents (pilot certificate, annual inspection, balloon registration and airworthiness certificate) will be examined during on-site registration. Pilots will be asked to provide documentation that they have a current flight review and are current in accordance with 14 CRF part 61, §61.56 and §61.57. In addition, upon signing the pilot application, the pilot certifies that they have no known medical, mental or physical impairments or conditions nor are they taking prescription or over the counter drugs/medications that may impair their ability to safely fly their aircraft. Plan on FAA representatives being on-site.
Corporate/Commercial Balloons
A Corporate/Commercial Balloon is a balloon which carries advertising for a particular product, company, service, or identifiable artwork, logos, etc. A corporate/commercial entry fee is $750.00.
Room Accommodations
Comfort Suites
1081 LYDIA DRIVE
Marysville, OH 43040
937.672.9600
All registered pilots receive one (1) complimentary room at the Comfort Suites in Marysville. The complimentary pilot’s room is available for Friday and Saturday evening for competitors, special shapes and other pre-approved fiesta-flyers with check-out being Sunday, August 23.
Cancellations
Our hotel contract specifies that August 1 is the last day to cancel a hotel room; therefore, if we cannot find a pilot to replace you and assume your reservation, you will forfeit any entry fee having been paid.
Crew Rooms / Additional Rooms
To reserve an additional room for crew, family, etc. you must reserve the room(s) in advance through Comfort Suites. Book your reservation by calling the Comfort Suites at 937.672.9600 and specify that you need to book a Balloon Crew room for the All Ohio Balloon Fest. The room rate for the additional room is $155 plus tax. Any changes with the additional room must be communicated directly with the Comfort Suites.
Social Events
Complimentary meals will be provided for pilots and crew prior to the evening flight activities in the pilot briefing tent at Union County Airport (MRT). The host hotel provides a complimentary breakfast from 6:00 -10:00 AM daily. Those familiar with our event know a top-notch slate of musical entertainment is offered each evening at MRT.
Volunteer Crew
We make every effort to provide local crew should you need such. It is imperative that you indicate on the Pilot Application the number of crew members you would like us to provide for each scheduled flight. If you are provided local crew, we ask that you welcome them to our wonderful sport, actively utilize them throughout your stay with us and be sure to invite them to the pilot meals provided.
Maps
Each participating pilot is provided one official full color competition map. Once finalized, a digital version of the competition map in various formats will be provided for downloading.
Passengers
Absolutely no paid passenger rides are permitted during the event. We are flying all flights under a standard FAA waiver and it specifically prohibits paid passenger rides. ALL passengers and crew must sign the FAA waiver and have a wristband to have access to the launch field. No exceptions.
Flight crew are also required to sign the FAA approved Designated Flight Crew form and Release of Liability. These forms will be provided to you at on-site registration. You may turn in a single form containing the signatures of all your crew at the Friday general briefing or propane refueling.
Scheduled Flight Activities
Night Glows, Friday - Saturday
Night Glows are planned for each evening and we anticipate that half the field will glow on Friday and half on Saturday.
Competitive Flights, Saturday - Sunday
Competitive flights are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday morning. Pilots will be flying under standard HACD rules and the Balloonmeister plans to use Watch Me Fly and the Balloon Live App for purposes of PZ monitoring and tasking. Competitors can comply with this requirement using the Balloon Live Sensor or their cell phone or tablet with Wi-Fi or cell connectivity. Task results will be submitted for individual inclusion in the HACD’s National Eligibility List. The BFA/HACD covers the cost of tokens for pilot participating in Watch Me Fly for all HACD members.
Pilot Stipends and Awards
Pilots will be paid a travel stipend of $600.00
This stipend will be paid regardless of event weather and are not based on pilots participating in any scheduled flight activity.
Prize money will be provided for the top five competitors as follows:
1st Place
$950 2nd Place
$850 3rd Place
$750 4th Place
$650 5th Place
$550 6th Place $450
7th Place
$350 8th Place
$250 9th Place
$150 10th Place $50
Total $5000
Event Officials
Balloonmeister
Greg Miller Safety Officer
Luke Russell Chief Measuring Officer
TBD Weather Officer
Jim Cusick Scoring Officer
Patty Cramer Volunteer Crew Coordination
Darrison Cook Landowner Relations
Darrison Cook & Jim Cusick
Organizer
Event Director
Darrison Cook
The All Ohio Balloon Fest and City of Marysville look forward to your participation. A pilot application is included for your consideration. We hope you will join us for a retooled event celebrating 50 years of ballooning in Marysville.
Darrison Cook
Greg Miller Event Director
Balloonmeister