United Way of Southern Kentucky is pleased to announce the 2010 U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ festival will take place September 9 – 12, 2010, at the Bowling Green / Warren County Regional Airport.

The festival is designed for the enjoyment and affordability of the entire family, and for the second year in a row thanks to the generosity of event sponsors (see the list of sponsors on the right side of this page), there will be NO admission or gate fee. That’s right, FREE admission and NO PARKING FEE. Admission to the event’s stage entertainment and viewing of the hot air balloons is absolutely FREE.

Attractions will include a carnival, several children’s activities including an inflatable fair friendly for children of all ages, BBQ to tempt the taste buds with seating available for patrons, and several displays. The carnival, inflatables, display vendors, and food vendors will be present throughout the weekend. You don’t want to miss the action!

On Friday night and Saturday night, enjoy musical entertainment from country superstar Rhett Akins, Nashville talent Nick Hoffman, and regional favorites Floord and Easy Street.

Finally, the staple of the event since its inception in 1990 – Hot Air Balloons – will return once again. Hot air balloonists from all over the country will converge on Bowling Green to compete for more than $10,000 in prize money. Hot air balloon competitive events will be held throughout the weekend, testing the skill set of some of the sport’s best pilots. Hot air balloons will be on display Friday evening at dusk for the ever popular Balloon Glow – and tether rides, weather and wind permitting – with competitive events kicking off Saturday morning, including crowd favorite Hare and Hound competitive lift off Saturday afternoon, and the final fly-in event on Sunday morning. The skies of Bowling Green will be full of color as dozens of hot air balloons fill the air!!

The event is a huge undertaking and would not be possible without hundreds of volunteers and the tremendous support of its sponsors. Festival coordinators wish to thank and recognize Rob Barnett and the BG/Warren County Regional Airport Board of Directors for their continuing support.

All net proceeds of this festival will benefit the United Way of Southern Kentucky and the worthwhile agencies it supports.

Anyone interested in volunteering or simply wishing for information on the event may call the U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ Hotline at 270.745.7532. Volunteers may leave a message and expect a return call from one of the event coordinators. For additional information, you may contact the United Way office at 270.843.3205.

We will continue to update this website as additional information becomes available. Check back soon.