Competitive ballooning tests pilots’ skills in distance, speed, and navigational precision. Each flight involves several competitive tasks requiring pilots to remain focused and confident in their flying.
Pilots must qualify for National’s competition through a points calculation and/or through regional competitive events.
“The Jackson community has long supported the Hot Air Jubilee and as part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, we are excited to host the competitors and show off our town. The women who compete for the chance to be crowned the national champion are highly decorated and outstanding pilots from all over the country. We look forward to hosting these remarkable women in our community.” Said David Seekell, Chairman of the Hot Air Jubilee.
The women vying for the title are:
Elisa Talbert, Albuquerque, NM flying “So”
Carolanne “Canna” Walter, Lynnwood, WA flying “Happyanyounoit”
Natasha Stanke, Albuquerque, NM flying “Race Robber”
Shannon Rote, Doylestown, OH flying “Pada”
Cheri White, Austin, TX flying “Code Red”
Kelli Keller, Box Elder, SD flying “KC”
Meredith Bennett, Powell, OH flying “Moonshine”
Meg Skelton, Sedalia, CO flying “Maharani”
Janet Lutkus, Media, OH flying “Goodnight Gracie”
Kimberly Whiteman, Kamas, UT flying “Flame Buoyant”
Kellie Rocha, Ottumwa, IA flying “Skyjumper”
Angelica Haus, Ankeny, IA flying “In a Wink of an Eye”
Amanda Brodbeck, Dacono, CO flying “Esmeralda”
Dawn McKenzie, Birmingham, MI flying “Daydream”
Sanne Haarhuis, Chelsea, MI flying “Dutch Direct”
Competitors will arrive in Jackson and compete from July 16-21, 2023 leading up to the 40th Hot Air Jubilee to be held July 21-23, 2023. 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.
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. **