They say in every desert there is an oasis.

  In Jackson, Michigan, it is the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee.  Celebrating its 25^th year and still going strong.  It is supported by many individuals and companies.  This kind community support is become quite rare, especially with Jackson’s fixed to the declining auto industry of Detroit.

  They had some where near 50 balloons come in fly twice a day and in the twilight of the dusk they had a special event called the “Glow”.  The balloons would tether to the ground and all at once they would ignite their burners, giving the balloons an inspiring glow at night.

  Their airshow was quite small, featuring a group of local Michigan Texan pilots (and one Vultee pilot.)   Along with Texans were some Mentors.  They performed some formation flying and individual fly bys.  They had 3 Warbirds consisting of a Skyraider, Corsair and a TBM Avenger.  Unfortunately, the Avenger went unserviceable on the Saturday.  There was a Ukrainian built L-29 on hand as well.  From Battle Creek, came an A-10 Warthog.  His demonstration rivaled both the East and West Coast A-10 Teams.

  Not to be forgotten was the noise factor for the day.  Pat Davidson and his Under Pressure Fire/Rescue Jet Ambulance.  The local officials closed down the roads at either end of the main runway, just in case of another incident.  They have had another jet truck one year, which failed to stop at the end of the runway.

  The ambulance did 2 passes a day, with the second in the early dusk followed by a Tora, Tora styled attach with the Texans, Vultee, L-29 and some pyro.