Celebration of Flight and Balloon Festival Getting Closer

In just under fourteen days, Carthage will hold the “Celebration of Flight and Balloon Festival” at the Panola County Airport. This will be a first for Carthage and Panola County as people from around the area travel to Sharpe Field to enjoy  an array of colorful hot air balloons, a car show, static airplane displays, an antique tractor show, motorcycles, dune buggies, mud trucks and much more. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children under 10. Proceeds will be used to fund student scholarships at Panola College.

This event serves as a memorial to the memory of two men, Brent Gee and Mark Schultz, who lived to fly and loved to share their joy of flight with everyone they encountered.  “Brent and Mark both participated in the early discussions of this festival, said Shelley Caraway, Event Organizer. “Their passion of flight lives on in all who attend this celebration of flight!”

The weekend activities will begin on May 20, at 6 p.m. with a balloon glow and live music.  On Saturday, May 21, events will begin at 7 a.m. with hot air balloon flights. The airplane fly-in and tractor show will rev up just before noon followed by a car show from noon to 5 p.m. and another balloon glow and live music scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.  The celebration will wrap up on Sunday morning, May 22, with a final balloon competition beginning at 7 a.m. 

“A festival of this type requires the sponsorship and coordination of many volunteers.  Many local businesses have contributed to make this dream a reality,” said Caraway.  “We still need a few more volunteers and welcome those who would like to participate.  Volunteers will be eligible to apply for a $150 scholarship to be used to attend Panola College in the fall of 2005.  The number of available scholarships will be determined by proceeds collected during the festival.” Announcement of recipients will be made at a future date. To volunteer or for additional information please call 903-984-4393.