Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning set for Muskogee in August

(Information from: Muskogee Phoenix, http://www.muskogeephoenix.com)
MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) – Fans of hot air balloons can add Muskogee to their list of spots for the high-flying fun.
The Muskogee City Council has approved a contract with Kansas City Aerosports for the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning. The event is set for Aug. 17-18.
The Muskogee Phoenix reports Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson anticipates about 30 balloons will be on hand. The festival also will include the Oklahoma State Championships of Hot Air Ballooning.
The three-year contract, approved Monday, means the city will pay Kansas City Aerosports $22,500 annually to organize the event. The deal allows the company to start lining up pilots, at a projected cost of up $400 each.
Backers say the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning is also meant to help revitalize historic Muskogee.