United Way of Southern Kentucky is pleased to announce the 2010 U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ festival will take place September 9 – 12, 2010, at the Bowling Green / Warren County Regional Airport.  The festival is designed for the enjoyment and affordability of the entire family, and for the second year in a row thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, there will be NO admission or gate fee.  That’s right, FREE admission and NO PARKING FEE.  Admission to the event’s stage entertainment and viewing of the hot air balloons is absolutely FREE.  Volunteers for United Way will be accepting ‘free will offerings’ on site as a supplement to other revenue generated by the event.  U.S. Bank has teamed up with Presenting Sponsor Houchens Industries, and Supporting Sponsors, Fruit of the Loom, Miller’s Bottled Gas, JB Distributors, Hampton Inn, RC Cola, WBKO, WGGC 95.1, 100.7 SAM FM, and WBVR 96.7, to make this event possible.

Gates open at 5 p.m. on Thursday in recognition of “Kid’s Night”.  The Carnival Midway and Inflatable Fair will be up and running, along with a special stage presentation for all the kids in the crowd.  “Kid’s Night” is being sponsored by WBVR 96.7 and radio personnel indicate additional details related to “Kid’s Night” activities will be released soon.  The event concludes with the final hot air balloon competition on Sunday morning.  In making the announcement, Doug Eberhart, United Way of Southern Kentucky President, noted, “This event brings tremendous benefit to our organization by creating a venue which increases awareness about the great work being accomplished in our community every day.  100% of the net proceeds from the festival will also help us continue improving lives and building a stronger community.”

Coordinator’s of this year’s event promise excitement and enjoyment for all ages.  Attractions will include a carnival, several children’s activities including an inflatable fair friendly for children of all ages, BBQ to tempt the taste buds with seating available for patrons, and several displays.  The carnival, inflatables, display vendors, and food vendors will be present throughout the weekend.  You don’t want to miss the action!  Friday gates open at 3 p.m. and Saturday festivities open at noon.

The event entertainment will once again be top notch through the duration.  On Friday night, Sam 100.7 will present Bowling Green Idol, a 6th year event which continues to grow in popularity.  Tryouts will be held Monday, August 16, at the United Way office on College Street.  Additional details will be forthcoming at www.bowlinggreensam.com.  Local solo artists will audition and be narrowed to a field of ten by a panel of knowledgeable, independent judges.  These ten individuals will each perform twice, center stage on Friday night before being reduced to a group of five finalists in hopes of being crowned 2010 Bowling Green Idol Champion.  Live music before and after the Bowling Green Idol competition will provide for a rocking good time the entire evening and begins at 5:30 p.m.

Stage entertainment Saturday evening will feature a grand lineup for country music fans.  WGGC 95.1 will sponsor an awesome concert featuring four live bands, headed by Country music sensation Rhett Akins (www.rhettakins.com).  Some men are just born to be country singers. It has nothing to do with chart positions, signed deals or marketing plans. It has everything to do with a rowdy crowd singing along to a song just written because they’ve immediately embraced the words.  Just ask Rhett Akins.  The artist became one of country music’s hottest acts when he hit the ground in Nashville, well known for such hits as “That Ain’t My Truck,” “She Said Yes”, and No. 1 “Don’t Get Me Started.”  When he’s not touring, Rhett is also a very accomplished song writer.  His music has been recorded by such artists as Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Jack Ingram, Luke Bryan, and most recently he has earned co-writing credit for Joe Nichols’ No. 1 hit “Gimmie That Girl”, and Brooks and Dunn’s smash hit “Put A Girl In It”.

     Saturday night’s concert will also feature one of county music’s brightest young talents in the form of Nick Hoffman.  It’s been over 35 years since a new artist has emerged successfully using the fiddle as his weapon.  A few have tried, but for whatever reason have failed.  What is left is a niche, a hole that needs to be filled.  Nick Hoffman is filling that void.  Performing with superstar Kenny Chesney for the past 10 years has cast a spotlight on Nick as he has been an integral part of Kenny’s stage show.  His stage antics have earned him a reputation as an electric performer who backs it up with some of the most edgy playing to come out of Nashville in a long-time.  He has also performed with Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn, Sara Evans, Steve Miller, 3 Doors Down, James Otto, John Mellencamp, and many others.  As a singer, his years of gigging in the clubs of the Midwest, and the famed honky-tonks of Nashville have helped him develop a gritty voice that cuts with refined clarity.  Listen up for the WGGC 95.1 exclusive release of “Good Time Man”, and check out a variety of Nick’s music at www.nickhoffman.com.  Other bands performing include regional favorites Easy Street and Floord.  The concerts kick off center stage at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Bring a lawn chair, and join in the fun and stage entertainment each evening!!

Finally, the staple of the event since its inception in 1990 – Hot Air Balloons – will return once again.  Hot air balloonists from all over the country will converge on Bowling Green to compete for more than $10,000 in prize money.  Hot air balloon competitive events will be held throughout the weekend, testing the skill set of some of the sport’s best pilots.  Hot air balloons will be on display Friday evening at dusk for the ever popular Balloon Glow – and tether rides, weather and wind permitting – with competitive events kicking off Saturday morning, including crowd favorite Hare and Hound competitive lift off Saturday afternoon, and the final fly-in event on Sunday morning.  The skies of Bowling Green will be full of color as dozens of hot air balloons fill the air!! 

In commenting on U.S. Bank’s involvement, Craig Browning, Regional President, indicated, “We are very pleased to again be the Title Sponsor of Bowling Green’s premiere outdoor festival.  We’re especially pleased this year’s proceeds will once again benefit United Way of Southern Kentucky.  United Way fulfills a vital role in our region and the proceeds of this event will serve to improve the lives of thousands over the course of the next year.  Finally, we couldn’t be more appreciative to all of our sponsors for their support.  It’s a special thing to see this many members of our corporate community ‘step up’ and produce such a high quality, FREE festival to the public.”

Fees will only apply for carnival rides, the inflatable fair, food, souvenirs, and – weather and wind conditions permitting – tethered balloon rides on Friday night. 

The event is a huge undertaking and would not be possible without hundreds of volunteers and the tremendous support of its sponsors.  Festival coordinators wish to thank and recognize Rob Barnett and the BG/Warren County Regional Airport Board of Directors for their continuing support.  All net proceeds of this festival will benefit the United Way of Southern Kentucky and the worthwhile agencies it supports.

Anyone interested in volunteering or simply wishing for information on the event may call the U.S. Bank Balloons, Tunes and BBQ Hotline at 270.745.7532.   Volunteers may leave a message and expect a return call from one of the event coordinators.  For additional information you may visit online at www.balloonstunesbbq.com or contact the United Way office at 270.843.3205.  Coordinators will continue to update the website as additional information becomes available.