Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — Before the annual Hot Air Jubilee officially gets going at Ella Sharp Park on Friday, July 18, Jackson will once again host the Balloon Federation of America’s U.S. Women’s Hot Air Balloon National Championship. This is the third consecutive year the championship has been held in Jackson.

Hot Air Jubilee Chair Angela Madden explains why you may have already seen some balloons up in the sky throughout the past week as pilots prepare for the championship’s opening day on July 14.

Madden told WKHM that Jackson has been getting the proper recognition it deserves as a great host for these events from those involved.

The competitors in the women’s championship will be looking to earn a spot as a new national champion, and also to be able to have a chance to compete in the 2027 World Championship.

A full event schedule for both the Women’s Hot Air Balloon Championship and the Hot Air Jubilee can be found here: hotairjubilee.com.