With a record number of participants vying for the title, this year’s competition promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Among the esteemed pilots ready to showcase their skills are a group of women from across the nation, each bringing their unique flair and expertise to the event.
“We are delighted to welcome such a talented and passionate group of pilots to Jackson this year,” said Angela Madden, Hot Air Jubilee Chair. “Our community’s dedication and love of ballooning is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see these women in the sky over Jackson.”
From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the field is packed with talent and determination. Among the notable contenders is Amanda Brodbeck, the reigning US National Champion. Joining her are a host of other accomplished pilots, all ready to compete for the coveted title.
The roster of pilots includes:
Amanda Brodbeck, flying her balloon “Esmeralda Featherton”
Natasha Stanke, flying her balloon “Wonder Woman”
Cheri White, flying her balloon “Red Racer”
Peg Billson, flying her balloon “Shilo”
Sanne Haarhuis, flying her balloon “Dutch Direct”
Carolanne Walter, flying her balloon “Happyanunoit”
Meg Skelton, flying her balloon “Maharani”
Kelly Hilberth, flying her balloon “Still Golden”
Kimberly Whiteman, flying her balloon “Flame Buoyant”
Dawn McKenzie, flyer her balloon “Daydream”
Holly Pfeifer, flying her balloon “Cherry Bomb”
Kellie Rocha, flying her balloon “Skyjumper”
Kelli Keller, flying her balloon “KC”
Janet Patton, flying her balloon “Black Magic”
Janet Lutkus, flying her balloon “Goodnight Gracie”
Angelica Haus, flying her balloon “In A Wink of An Eye”
Meredith Bennett, flying her balloon “Moonshine”
Amy Gneiting, flying her balloon “Uranus”
Angela Madden, flying her balloon “Special Interest”
“We are immensely grateful to the Jackson community for their warm embrace as we welcome competitors back to Jackson for the US Women’s National Championships. Their unwavering support adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the championships and the Hot Air Jubilee. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this experience again this year” said Paul Petrehn, 2023 and 2024 US Women’s National Championship Event Director.
Competitors will arrive in Jackson and compete from July 14-20, 2024 leading up to and including the 41st Hot Air Jubilee to be held July 19-21, 2024. Both events promise to be a week filled with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. In addition to the competition, attendees can look forward to a variety of family-friendly activities and food vendors. More information on the pilots is available on the Hot Air Jubilee website at www.hotairjubilee.com.
Competition flights for the Women’s National Championships will happen throughout Jackson County and will expand outside of the traditional footprint of the Hot Air Jubilee.
For updated schedule information, download the official Hot Air Jubilee mobile app which is available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
About the Hot Air Jubilee and Balloon Federation of America
**The Hot Air Jubilee was founded in 1983 to contribute positively to the Jackson community by providing quality family entertainment featuring the beauty, color and excitement of hot air balloons and other unique one-of-a-kind attractions to the community. **
**The Balloon Federation of America is a membership organization dedicated to the art, sport, and science of ballooning, and to providing a unified voice for the purpose of representing U.S. balloonists and ballooning enthusiasts across the United States of America, its territories, and possessions, before the international ballooning community. **