2012 Gallery

Favorable weather and outstanding spectator attendance enables National Balloon Rally Charities to announce a successful 2012 Carolina BalloonFest event. Over $58,000 was donated to various local charities. Our two primary beneficiaries, Amercan Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Statesville and Purple Heart Homes each accepted 20K to continue their missions. Additional donations were accepted by Kiwanis Club, S. Iredell Band Boosters Club, Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol and ICATS.

We thank all sponsors, balloonists, volunteers, vendors, media partners, musicians and over 30 thousand balloon enthusiasts for their participation in our spectacular Statesville, NC community event!

25 years ago Black Pontiac sponsored a key grab for the National Balloon Rally and a Pilot from California, Owen Keown plucked the keys off of the pole and drove home in a brand new Trans AM.

To celebrate that anniversary and once again sponsor a portion of the Carolina Balloonfest competition, Black Automotive Group will provide the $3,000.00 cash prize purse for the 2012 Carolina Balloonfest "Ring-Toss" Competition.

This competition is endorsed by the Balloon Federation of America and points will be awarded to the pilots who want to qualify to attend the 2013 U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.

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Memories by Cassandra Lea Photography

The Weather Channel featured Carolina BalloonFest as 'Top 10 Fun Festival' of 2012 with this photographer's image .

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Moon Glow by Edgar Payne

Our State 2012 Fall Photo Contest Winner

Photographer’s Note: The end of a wonderful day of ballooning at the 39th Carolina Balloon Festival at the Statesville Municipal Airport in October 2012.

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