Faribault Airfest – Air Show & Balloon Rally                               September 18th & 19th, 2009 

Today Airfest celebrates its 25th Silver Anninversary with its trademark Balloon Launches, Military Appreciation Day (Free Admission to Current Military Service Members - bring ID), and Minnesota's First Aerobatic Air Race, the Blue Sky Challenge Cup.  But a quarter century ago in the farm fields near Faribault, MN, aviation enthusiasts from the local area thought it would be fun to publically demonstrate the beauty and serenity of an exclusive Hot Air Balloon Launch.  By offering rides to some of the spectators who came out to assist with the set up and launch of these gentle giants, balloon pilots offered the community a taste of silent flight coupled with the contrasting roar of propane burners used to inflate the expansive and colorful nylon envelope.

From these simple beginnings The Faribault Airfest & Balloon Rally has grown into one of Minnesota’s premier aviation events, unique in its style, presentation, and heritage. Held at the Faribault Municipal Airport (KFBL), Airfest is now in its 25th year and growing stronger and more exciting than ever.  By adding Air Show Demonstrations, Military Warbirds, Aircraft Rides, and plenty of Ground Activities for kids and adults, diversity has now become the hallmark of this event.  In fact, it is hard to find another aviation event in the entire country with as much variety of flight combined with such a wide assortment of ground activities made easily available to spectators, families, and aircraft enthusiasts.

Hot air balloons have always showcased Airfest’s image and atmosphere with their breathtaking sound of silence, vibrant color schemes, and sharp blasts of flame atop their wicker baskets.  Because the balloons fly best when the wind is calm near dawn and dusk, other entertainment was featured to help round out Airfest’s daytime schedule. A few years ago Aerobatic Air Show Demonstrations were integrated into the event and have received rave reviews from the spectators. But that wasn’t all.  Biplane, helicopter, and glider rides are now also available to Airfest attendees.

Presently, by adding a busy ground activities schedule, Airfest has been shaped into a broad and truly family-oriented festival.

Featuring the FAPA Fly-In Breakfast, Aircraft & Helicopter Rides, Food Concessions, Simulator Rides, Speakers Forums, a Kids Corner area, and Activity Booths, this event promises to be an eventful and fulfilling day.

Airfest Proudly Supports our men and women of the US Armed Forces