The 2012 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show promises to be one of the best ones yet. The planning process for the air show is in full swing. The Air Show will be held June 30^th & July 1^st (Saturday & Sunday) at W.K. Kellogg Airport.

The 2012 Air Show will feature-

-Over 5 ACTION PACKED hours of extreme air show & family FUN Entertainment (more than most other air shows)
-The Raw & Amazing Power of today's military aircraft.
-An All-Star Aerobatic Review (Civilian Aerobatic Dream Teams)
-Salutes to our Soldiers & Veterans
-Spectacular Aerial Feats
-Air & Ground Acts

And, for those wondering...the Magical Twilight & Night Air Show will BE BACK in 2012 due to popular demand.

The Air Show in Battle Creek is known for assembling a spectacular lineup and is considered to be one of the greats. 2012 will prove to be no different.

Here are the acts that we have CONFIRMED to perform at the 2012 Air Show thus far.

There is a chance of Thunder at this years Field of Flight Airshow & Balloon Festival. That’s right, They’re back…the world famous US Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration Squadron. During their 59th season in 2012, the Thunderbirds will showcase the pride and precision of today’s US Air Force with over 70 performances at several different show sites. The team will proudly perform on behalf of the nearly 700,000 active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve & civilian Airmen serving at home and abroad. It’s from that diverse group of Air Force professionals that the Thunderbirds team is formed.

The Thunderbirds were first activated on May 25th, 1953 as the Air Force’s Official Air Demonstration Team. They were designated the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit and were stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona flying the F-84G Thunderjet. Over the years, the Thunderbirds flew famous US Air Force Aircraft that have gone down in history such as the F-84F Thunderstreak, the F-100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-100D Super Sabre, F-4E Phantom II, T-38 Talon….and into the Mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon (Block 52 model) that the team flies today.

According to Indian legend, the Thunderbird was a giant eagle (some envisioned a hawk) that was spoken about with great fear & respect. When it took to the skies, the earth trembled from the thunder of its wings and bolts of lightning shot from its eyes. Nothing in nature could challenge the bird of thunder, the story of the Thunderbird was repeated across generations…and today, it is now a legend.

The legend will take to the skies this summer in Battle Creek, Michigan as the thunder (known as the Sound of Freedom) will represent not only the professionalism of the US Air Force, but the patriotism of our great nation of the United States. The “thunder” will come from six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets painted in Red, White & Blue colors with the Thunderbird emblem on the bottom. Their show will rock the skies as the Diamond formation (Jets 1-4) perform a series of precision maneuvers, keeping their aircraft just INCHES from each other. This is in concert with the high speed & G maneuvers performed by the Solos (Jets 5-6). This includes a series of head-on passes & solo maneuvers showcasing the tactical profile of the Block 52 Viper. In the end, all six jets team up and showcase the pinnacle of formation flying, the Delta Formation.
http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/index.html

The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show will be bringing back Rob Holland again in 2012.

Rob Holland has been on a tear. First, he won the gold medal in the 4-minute freestyle at the World Aerobatic Championships in Foligno, Italy. Soon after, he took the top spot after three flights at the U.S. National Aerobatic Championships in Denison, Texas.

"I had the honor of watching Rob fly at Nationals, and all I can say is that his craft has become breathtaking. His precision is awe-inspiring and must be witnessed to be believed. IAC members should look for an upcoming feature on Rob in Sport Aerobatics magazine. Until then, enjoy this video. [excerpt from the International Aerobatics Club - October 2011 newsletter "In the Loop" "

In 2008, Rob was also voted Airshowbuzz.com's person of the year! Rob will perform three times on air show days in Battle Creek. Once in his hardcore solo show in the "VeteranHomeLoans.com" MX-2 (the most advanced aerobatic aircraft on the airshow circuit), in the "Firebirds XTREME" formation aerobatic act with Jack Knutson and then the Firebirds 4-ship act with Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman & Bill Stein.
http://www.ultimateairshows.com/

Balloon launches will be determined by weather conditions, and are very dependent on the winds being low.

The Field of Flight is a VERY unique event because there is a WORLD CLASS Airshow & terrific entertainment lineup. The Balloon Roots are still here however and it is still a balloon competition. Every summer, dozens of balloons fill the sky over Battle Creek, offering an extraordinary sight. In 2012, 50 pilots and their teams will compete to get their names on the Rankings List and win their cash prize. Each launch consists of multiple tasks and the pilots must attempt to hit their tasks "on-target" to get their high rankings. The launches & competition are truly spectacular! Don't miss the "Colors in the Sky" at the 2012 Balloon Festival.

Launches will be scheduled every day of the event.

We currently have 42 CONFIRMED Balloon Pilots for the 2012 Event.

-Andy Baird-Dexter, MI
-Jeff Barlett-Mentor, OH
-Tom Bergeon-Mason, MI
-Christine Bertsch-Des Moines, IA
-Dave Champion-Paxton, IL
-Phil Clinger-Battle Creek, MI
-Larry Coan-Livonia, MI
-Brian Counts-Battle Creek, MI
-Brad Craig-Carlisle, IA
-Chase Donner-Atlanta, GA
-Nick Donner-Louisville, KY
-Jeremy Droscha-Charlotte, MI
-Aaron Foelske-Channahon, IL
-Ron Groce-Mason, MI
-Joe Heartsill-San Angelo, TX
-Rhett Heartsill-San Angelo, TX
-Todd Isley-Carlisle, IA
-Tyler Jaques-Battle Creek, MI
-John Jensen-Indianola, IA
-Kevin Kamp-Marion, IA
-Rick Kerber-Wayland, MI
-Jeremy King, Indianola, IA
-Dave Mohr-Three Rivers, MI
-Michael Moore- Augusta, MI
-Mike Nelson-Fortville, IN
-Stephen Peck-Battle Creek, MI
-Jeff Pestun-Zeeland, MI
-John Petrehn-Leawood, KS
-Maury Petrehn-Olathe, KS
-Paul Petrehn-Howell, MI
-Paul Quandee-Elkhart, IN
-Shawn Raya-Oxford, MI
-Tom Ricke-Clive, IA
-Pat Rolfe-Battle Creek, MI
-Tom Roush-Tallassee, TN
-Jeremy Rubin-Ankeny, IA
-Roy Smith-Knoxville, TN
-Susan Stamats-Cedar Rapids, IA
-Jeff Sweet-Indian Trail, NC
-David Troutman-Louisville, KY
-Chuck Walz-Munith, MI
-Robert "Woody" Watson-Alto, MI
-Dale Wilson-Augusta, MI

If you are a Balloon Pilot and would like to submit an application for 2012, please contact the Balloon Office directly. The roster tends to fill up very fast, so don't delay.

As dusk falls over W.K. Kellogg Airport, some MAGICAL ILLUMINATIONS begin. During our "Balloon Illumes" the launch field will be lit up with the glowing burners of over 20 Hot-Air Balloons. This "picture-perfect" sight is something that you won't want to miss and will become one of your favorite family memories forever.

The Balloon Illumes also incorporate some audience participation. You will be asked to say "Twinkle" or "Light 'Em Up". When you say "Twinkle", the pilots will light their burners in spurts, causing them to twinkle. When you say "Light Em Up", the flame will stay lit and the grounds will light up. The "Balloon Illumes" are a fan-favorite part of the Field of Flight, year after year.

The 2012 Balloon Illume dates are yet to be determined. There will be TWO throughout the course of the 2012 event.

The Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival will celebrate our nation's Independence Day "in-style" with the Annual Fireworks Display.

Over the years, the Fireworks Display has become a major draw itself and has been produced by greats like PyroTechno, the Gucci Brothers & Melrose Pyrotechnics. The fireworks display will be almost 20 minutes long (making it the third largest in the State of Michigan) and will be choreographed to Patriotic Music along with some pop, rock & country.

Don't miss the Booming Fireworks as the sky is filled with many colorful bulbs at this year's Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival at the W.K. Kellogg Airport.

The 2012 Fireworks Display sees the return of the WORLD FAMOUS & AWARD WINNING Pyrotechnic Company Melrose Pyrotechnics to the Battle Creek area. The display that they plan and choreograph at the Field of Flight will no doubt be high tech, awe-inspiring, and phenomenal.

One of the GREAT things about the Field of Flight is the AMAZING concert & NIGHTLY entertainment lineup that is always brought to Center Stage.

The 2012 Entertainment lineup is currently being compiled.   

If you would like to be on Center Stage or have any suggestions on a particular band, contact Barb Haluzska and put  "Center Stage Entertainment Request/Suggestion" as the Message Subject.

The ever-popular Funland Amusement Park/Carnival will return to the Field of Flight in 2012! Running the 2012 Carnival will be none other than Miller Spectacular Shows & Amusements. The Miller family has more than 100 years of experience, spanning five generations in the carnival business. Great-Grandson of the founder of the company, Fred Miller, now runs and operates the company, traveling to many fairgrounds and events throughout the operating season. Miller Spectacular Carnival's are known for their wide variety of activities. Families make numerous memories at the carnival.

The 2012 Carnival will be located near the rear of the event grounds. It is FREE to browse around and take in the sights, sounds & smells of it.

You can face your fear of heights as you plummet towards Earth on the "Super Shot" Free-Fall ride, loop inverted on the "Ring of Fire", go through a haunted house or take in the spectacular views aboard the Ferris Wheel. From Carnival games, to kiddie rides, to mild & wild rides, there is something for EVERYONE at Funland. With over 35 rides & attractions...the options are endless. At night....the carnival comes alive with many colorful lights, making the event even more beautiful.

Individual Ride Tickets may be purchased for $1.00 each or 22 tickets for $20.00. Many rides take multiple tickets. Each ride varies, however it will range from two (2) tickets per ride to four (4) tickets per ride. Information on "Wristband" days where you can get unlimited rides will be available soon.

Funland will be open EVERY DAY of the event and during normal operating hours. The park closes when the event grounds close.

2012 Funland Hours will be posted at a later date.

The date for the 2012 Kid's Day is yet to be determined. Parents, make sure to bring your kids out for the amazingly fun KID'S DAY!

Kids won't want to miss all this fun. Not only will they leave satisfied with all the fun they just had, but they will have created new friendships, learned important lessons and maybe even walk away with some prizes.

Here's what we have on tap for KID'S DAY 2012 (Date TBD.) 

-Arts & Crafts Projects
-Kids Games & Prizes
-Kelloggs' Tony the Tiger & Posts' Sugar just might make an appearance

More activities will be added to the KID'S DAY Activities as the event draws nearer. Kids & parents alike...stay tuned...