LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 22, 2012) - Twenty-five hot air balloons from all over the country will gracefully float across the Little Rock sky at the Great War Memorial Balloon Race. 

Saturday, June 23 started bright and early at 6:30 a.m. with a competition flight. A fun Zumba session is at 9 a.m. at the Daily Fitness Center in War Memorial Park.

At 10 a.m., food trucks, art vendors, children's activities, the Clear Channel radio "boom box" music, and a fishing derby begin. Also taking place are carnival games offered by B.I.G. Love Cancer Care, a Girl Scout project, and the opening of the new War Memorial Park splash fountain and playground.

Live music performances begin at 3 p.m. and continue until around 11 p.m., during which a balloon glow will be held at approximately 8:30 p.m.

A mass ascension of up to 25 hot air balloons will launch at 6 p.m. if weather permits, along with tethered rides, jazz, food, vendor booths and children's activities.

A second balloon competition flight takes off at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, followed by a continuation of Saturday's events. The closing celebration at dusk features luminaries and music.

You can find a complete schedule of events planned by clicking here. Admission is free.

In addition, this event will aid in community involvement, as we are inviting local businesses and nonprofit charitable organizations to participate so that they may showcase their products and raise awareness and funds for their special services and programs.

(Source: Great War Memorial Balloon Race)