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Presented by HOmetown Radio Network

The Great American
Balloon Race

A beloved Central Kentucky community event at Stuart Powell Field.

Note: The Race is no longer held in its original format in May/June. A new stand-alone Balloon Event is scheduled at a later summer date in August.

Photo Gallery

Balloon being prepared for flight on the field
Hometown Radio Network balloon in flight
Hot air balloons lined up at the race
Riders in a balloon basket ready for launch
Crew member helping inflate a balloon
Colorful balloon being inflated on the field
Balloons soaring over the race field
Kids enjoying inflatables at the Balloon Race festival
Community gathering on the field at the Balloon Race
Crowd watching a colorful balloon being inflated
Spectators gathered around a balloon basket at dusk
Balloons lined up on the field ready for launch
Close-up of a balloon envelope being inflated

Great American Balloon Race Info

Where

Stuart Powell Field

Danville-Boyle County Airport

420 Airport Road, Danville, KY 40422

When

Gates Open at 4 p.m.

Balloons inflate after 7 p.m.

All balloons will tether rides!

Free Admission

Admission and Parking are Free

Thanks to our generous Sponsors!

Food & Drink

Come have a picnic at the Airport!

Several Local Food Trucks & Vendors

Free Inflatables!

Come out early for family fun! Lots of bounce houses and inflatable games — all free!

Gates open at 4 p.m.Inflation after 7 p.m.Free AdmissionFree ParkingFree InflatablesFood & Drink Available

Stuart Powell Field — Danville-Boyle County Airport

420 Airport Road, Danville, Kentucky 40422

Get Directions

Race Results History

2020–2023No Race due to COVID-19 Safety.
2019Double Rain-Out. No Race.
20181st Place Jady Wade 9'' 6.5" · 2nd Place Don Conner 33' 2" · 3rd Place Michael Stinson 43' · 4th Place Billy Green 131' · 5th Place Bill Smith 134'
20161st Place Dan Hoehler 7'1" · 2nd Place Billy Green 9' · 3rd Place Stephen Bennett 11' 9" · 4th Place Scott McClinton 19' 5" · 5th Place Derek Browning 80' 9"
20151st Place Derick Browning 25' 2" · 2nd Place Tom Steinbock 183' 8"
20141st Place Charlie Hurst 1' 2" · 2nd Place John Hitron 49' 3"
20131st Place Chris Spalding 127' 3" · 3rd Place Jerry Copas 119' 4"
20121st Place Chris Spaulding 4' 4" · 2nd Place Jady Wade 48' 5" · 3rd Place Tom Brutscher 52' 4"
20114th Place Patrick Dailey 56' 10" · 5th Place Peyton Hoge 141' 14" — No Winners (all pilots over 200 ft from target).
2010Prize money split equally among all pilots.
20091st Place Ray Donner 26' 8" · 2nd Place Nick Donner 13' 10"
2008No Winners — All pilots were out of target range. Wind blew them wide left after hare balloon landed.
20071st Place Chris Spalding 26' 5" · 2nd Place Matt Torgerson 45' 1" · 3rd Place Wayne VanAllen 53' 4" · 4th Place John Freeman 59' 8" · 5th Place Tim McClain 95'
20061st Place Chris Spalding 10' 4" · 2nd Place John Herbst 10' 9" · 3rd Place Don Smith 14' 6" · 4th Place John Daugherty 30' 5" · 5th Place Tom Steinbock 44' 8"
20041st Place Bill Smith 89' 0" · 2nd Place Don Conner 122' 8"
2003Double Rain-Out. No Race.
20021st Place Tim Basey 4' 8" · 2nd Place Jerry Copas 17' 2" · 3rd Place Ray Donner 22' 3" · 4th Place Mike G. Wade 40' 2" · 5th Place Doug Hughes 46' 1"
20011st Place Bob Corey 1' 1" (the closest ever) · 2nd Place Jerry Copas 1' 9" · 3rd Place Randy Oats 4' 3" · 4th Place Mike S Wade 13' 8" · 5th Place Doug Peterson 20' 5"
20001st Place Bob Corey 1' 11" · 2nd Place Mike Ehrler 4' 2" · 3rd Place Dan Hoehler 13' 7" · 4th Place Stuart Crawford 18' 5" · 5th Place Ray Donner 57' 8"