BALLOON FEST '93 COMING TO THE CITY'S SKIES JULY 23-25

Thirty-five hot-air balloons are expected to compete for $10,000 in prize money during Balloon Fest '93, to be held July 23-25.

Four competitive flights will be held over the three days. Performance points will be awarded to each balloon pilot in each event.

One of the competitions is the "Hare and Hounds" event, in which all the balloons chase a single lead balloon. The "hare" lays out a target marker for the "hounds" to hit with a beanbag and streamer. The "hound" closest to the target receives the most points.

The balloons will launch from the Show Me Center and Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport during the competition.

The event also will include a photography contest. Entries should be submitted to Beverly Strohmeyer, the Southeast Missouri Arts Council, P.O. Box 901, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702.

Entries will be displayed, and the winner's photograph will be used to publicize next year's event.

On July 24, several balloons will be at the West Park Mall at sunset for a "balloon glow."

Some balloons will provide tethered rides for the public, and the fire from the propane tanks will illuminate the entire balloon envelope, said Rob Shantz, who is the balloonmeister for Balloon Fest '93.

Awards will be presented July 25 during ceremonies at the New Cape Girardeau Airport Terminal.

Eighteen balloons competed for prizes last year during Cape Girardeau's Aviation Days.

The event is sponsored by several local businesses in conjunction with the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts.