RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival Sets Launch Date at NASA

Clear Lake (Houston), TX –June 29, 2004 –Over eighty of the sport’s most magnificent hot air balloons-including the world’s tallest- are converging on the NASA/Johnson Space Center for one of the state’s largest and most visually spectacular outdoor family gatherings, the 12th annual RE/MAX Ballunar Liftoff Festival.

“RE/MAX®  is identified in 51 countries by our “Above the Crowd!®” balloon logo, so our founding of this event was a natural,” said Dana Tuggle, Regional Director for RE/MAX of Texas.  “It began as a recreational way to encourage young people in the study of math and science, and to fund educational scholarships, but it’s turned into an outstanding community event that gives our agents and offices tremendous exposure over the 3-day weekend.  We had wall-to-wall coverage last year from six local TV stations, plus, we solidify many valuable corporate alliances.”

Shepps Dairy is the presenting sponsor, represented by the giant Airabelle the Cow balloon, which joins with the magnificent H.E.B. Uncle Sam balloon, and sport balloons from around the country in celebrating mankind’s fascination with flight.  The festival traces the evolution from the earliest form of flight (the balloon), to the technological marvels of modern aviation and space travel. 

“The show begins Friday at 6 pm, with a Welcome of Balloons,” said RE/MAX® Balloonmeister Steve Lombardi. The Energizer Bunny, the world’s largest balloon at 180 feet tall, will lead the crowd-pleasing Friday night Magic Balloon Glow, brought to you by Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation and J.P. Morgan Chase.  Saturday morning at dawn, pilots get their weather briefings, and begin the navigational competitions with the Shuttle Rendezvous.   Balloons launch upwind of the balloon field, attempting to navigate close to targets, and “dock” with the Space Shuttle, by dropping a hula-hoop over the nose of the upright cold-air Space Shuttle balloon.”

Throughout the weekend,  skydivers, para-gliders, and aeronautical wonders of every type fill the skies, as a carnival midway full of children’s attractions, rides, and food beckons families. 

Saturday evening brings a mass ascension at 6pm, followed by the Shepps Dairy’s UFO Invasion, a glow featuring the special shape balloons.   All balloons will reconvene for Sunday morning’s fly-in-task, and other competitive flights for big cash prizes.  A complete schedule of events and directions are available at www.ballunarliftoff.com. 

The RE/MAX network in Texas comprises over 4,672 members affiliated with 213 offices across the state, 61 in the Greater Houston area. Under the RE/MAXÒ franchise name, these independently owned and operated offices provide residential and commercial real estate services. Since its inception in 1977, the RE/MAX organization in Texas has experienced 27 consecutive years of growth, attracting Sales Associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience, and productivity. For more information on RE/MAX of Texas, visit www.remax-texas.com.
Ballunar Liftoff Festival, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Its mission is to help the public learn about aviation and space exploration, and to sponsor and fund educational activities that encourage young people to learn about aviation and space and to study mathematics and the sciences.