[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOT AIR JUBILEE IN 
                           JACKSON, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, July 19, 2002 marks the 20th 
Anniversary of the Hot Air Jubilee in Jackson, Michigan. This event 
began in 1983 when Jackson Balloon Pilots Tony Hurst and Jim Ahearn 
suggested the idea to Jackson Resident Mike Brown. The initial goal was 
to provide a new and exciting family oriented activity to attend in the 
Jackson area. The inaugural event hosted 17 balloons from Michigan and 
Ohio and was launched from the Sparks Foundation County Park, Cascades 
Park, and the grounds of Jackson Community College. At the first 
Jubilee, approximately 20,000 people were in attendance for the initial 
launch. In 1996, the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee moved to Reynolds Field at 
the Jackson County Airport to accommodate the growth in the event. 
Since that time, the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee has grown to over 65 
balloons, with participants coming from as far away as Japan and 
Australia. In 2001, over 100,000 people attended the event.
  The Jackson Hot Air Jubilee has a positive impact on the community by 
stimulating the local economy through hotel stays, restaurant meals, 
and other expenditures at local Jackson businesses. The Jubilee also 
contributes more than $15,000 to local civic organizations in the 
Jackson area.
  The success of this event over the past 20 years is due to the hard 
work and dedication of the volunteer planning committee and the more 
than 600 area volunteers from all walks of life that contribute to the 
Jackson Hot Air Jubilee. Therefore, I would like to commend the 35 
member all Volunteer Hot Air Jubilee planning committee, which works 
year around to produce this fine event. I also want to recognize the 
more than 600 local volunteer citizens that contribute their time and 
energy to the Jackson hot air jubilee, without whose assistance this 
event would not happen. The members of the business community and 
private citizens that sponsor the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee also deserve 
recognition for supporting such a fine family oriented event for the 
citizens of the 7th Congressional District and beyond. I would also 
like to commend the Jackson County Airport for opening their facility 
for the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee and the community at large.
  The Jackson Hot Air Jubilee is an exemplary model of a community 
working together to achieve a common goal: providing a well-organized, 
family oriented festival for all to enjoy. I commend the Jackson Hot 
Air Jubilee for a job well done, and wish the Committee continued 
success for many years to come.