Presented by Houchens Industries and Benefitting United Way of Southern Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.—United Way of Southern Kentucky is pleased to announce the 2009 U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ festival will take place September 10 – 13, 2009, at the Bowling Green / Warren County Regional Airport. The festival is designed for the enjoyment of the entire family, and given the state of our economy, what more could the community ask for than a FREE entertainment event. That’s right, FREE. Thanks to the support of the gracious sponsors of this event, there will be NO ADMISSION and NO PARKING FEE. Admission to the event’s stage entertainment and viewing of the hot air balloons is absolutely FREE. Volunteers for United Way will be accepting ‘free will offerings’ on site as a supplement to other revenue generated by the event. U.S. Bank has teamed up once again with Presenting Sponsor Houchens Industries, and Supporting Sponsors, Fruit of the Loom, Miller’s Bottled Gas, JB Distributors, Hampton Inn, RC Cola, WBKO, 100.7 SAM FM, and WGGC 95, to make this event possible.

Gates open at 5 p.m. on Thursday in recognition of “Kid’s Night”. The Carnival Midway and Inflatable Fair will be up and running as the main attractions of the evening. The event concludes with the final hot air balloon competition on Sunday morning. In making the announcement, Doug Eberhart, United Way of Southern Kentucky President, noted, “This event brings tremendous value to our organization by creating a venue to increase awareness about the great work being accomplished in our community every day. The proceeds from the festival will also help us continue improving lives and building a stronger community.”

Coordinator’s of this year’s event promise excitement and enjoyment for all ages. Attractions will include a full blown carnival, several children’s activities including an inflatable fair friendly for different ages, BBQ to tempt the taste buds with seating available for patrons, and several displays including the Warren County Sheriff’s Department “Reach For Your Dreams” complete lineup.  The carnival, inflatables, display vendors, and food vendors will be present throughout the weekend. You don’t want to miss the action! Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and noon on Saturday.

Stage entertainment will once again promote the festival’s strong commitment of bringing a top quality entertainment event to the citizens of South Central Kentucky. On Friday night, Sam 100.7 will present Bowling Green Idol, a 5th year event which continues to grow in popularity. Tryouts will be held Wednesday, August 12, at the United Way office on College Street. Local solo artists will audition and be narrowed to a field of ten by a panel of knowledgeable, independent judges. These ten individuals will each perform twice, center stage on Friday night before being narrowed to a group of five finalists in hopes of being crowned 2009 Bowling Green Idol Champion. Live music before and after the Bowling Green Idol competition will provide for a rocking good time the entire evening and begins at 5:30 p.m.

Stage entertainment Saturday evening will feature a grand lineup for country music fans.  WGGC 95.1 will sponsor an awesome concert featuring four live bands, headed by Country music sensation Justin Moore. Justin’s fast-rising song, “Small Town USA,” has become a Billboard Top 15 hit, and has established him as one of 2009’s break-out country artists, garnering attention from People, The Washington Post, and Billboard. The singer-songwriter has landed several coveted spots on tour with such greats as Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, and Kenny Chesney…and, now, Justin Moore will be center stage with the complement of his full band right in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for a FREE concert. The release of Justin’s self titled debut album is today, August 11, 2009. Other bands performing include regional favorites Easy Street, The Thornz featuring Lindsey Lea, and Floord. The concerts kick off center stage at 5:30 p.m.

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 Race 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!!

In commenting on U.S. Bank’s involvement, Craig Browning, Regional President, indicated, “We are very pleased to again be the Title Sponsor of Bowling Green’s premiere outdoor festival. We’re especially pleased this year’s proceeds will once again benefit United Way of Southern Kentucky. United Way fulfills a vital role in our region and the proceeds of this event will serve to improve the lives of thousands over the course of the next year. Finally, we couldn’t be more appreciative to all of our sponsors for their support. It’s a special thing to see this many members of our corporate community ‘step up’ and produce such a high quality, FREE festival to the public.”

Fees will only apply for carnival rides, the inflatable fair, food, souvenirs, and - weather and wind conditions permitting - tethered balloon rides on Friday night.

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 visit online at http://www.balloonstunesbbq.com or contact the United Way office at 270.843.3205. Coordinators will continue to update the website as additional information becomes available.  For more information about other things to do in the area and accommodations, visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at http://www.visitbgky.com.

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1110 College Street · P.O. Box 3330· Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102-3330· 270.843.3205 · 270.843.3236 fax · http://www.uwsk.org