Battle Creek economy takes off during Field of Flight

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The country's largest combined air show and balloon festival returns to Battle Creek, featuring some of the world's best pilots to mark the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.

The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival runs from Thursday, June 30, through Monday, July 4, at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field.

"Last year was one of our largest years ever. But I really believe that this year is going to be even bigger than anything that we've had," said Barbara Haluszka, executive director of the event.

• Last year's coverage:Battle Creek Field of Flight takes off with strong turnout

Field of Flight, which opened to the public at 4 p.m. Thursday, features carnival rides and food vendors from all over the country. Among them is Torti Taco, which has two locations in Battle Creek. Johan Fortoso, who manages the Torti Taco restaurant on Beckley Road, said they've been selling food at Field of Flight every year. He said the exposure has been tremendous for business.

“A lot of people come to this fair from different locations. So a lot of people know us in Battle Creek, but not necessarily other locations like Kalamazoo or Marshall area," said Fortoso. "So it brings a lot of promotion."

There will also be a hot-air balloon fly-in at 7 p.m. on every one of the event days, unless conditions become too windy.

But the main attraction of Field of Flight are the main air shows on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 5:30 p.m. They will feature the U.S, Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, the USAF F-35A Lightning ll and the U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning demo teams, and the Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet "Rhino" demo team, among other performers.

"With all the military we have, the civilians, plus the hot air balloon piece of the pie, two fireworks shows, the twilight night air show, the carnival, bands on stage, it's just going to be great family fun," said Haluszka.

Haluszka expects the five-day event to attract 130,000 people. That's a big boost for the local economy.

"Gas stations, particularly, right? But yeah, it's very important to the community. It's quite a huge economic impact this event does have," Haluszka said. "Hotels and motels got lots of business during this timeframe. We pay for a whole lot of rooms that are going on out there right now."

For more information, including a full schedule of events and admission prices, visit FieldofFlight.com.