Every year during the 4th of July weekend in Battle Creek Michigan, a celebration takes place. The "Field of Flight" is a combination Hot Air Balloon Championship, Air Show, Fireworks, and Carnival, that takes place over 4 to 6 days at the local airport. Each year is different, but generally the USAF Thunderbirds show up... thing is, if you want to see the Thunderbirds over the 4th of July weekend, you got to go to Battle Creek, Michigan.

One unusual feature of this event is the spectator RV Village, where 100 RV spots are availale on-premises for those that want to take in the whole weekend. It is very relaxing to be able to walk from the event to your coach - and it's even possible to watch the whole weekend under your awning.

Boondocking is the camping style at the village, with porta-Johns and a dumpster being the modern conveniences. However, you an schedule water drop off as well as a pump-out of your coach should you find that necessary. And you can usually find a shuttle cart to drop you off at the main spectator gate as well.

The cost varies per day, but $25~30 is the standard fare, which includes your coach and a vehicle. Considering on-site parking costs $10 per day for the daily crowd, this is not a bad deal, even though you have to "rough it" a bit.

Generators are allowed, but only quiet generators (such as a Honda EU2000) are allowed after 10PM and before 6AM. We did find though that we could run our Honda EU2000 in the day time to power the fridge and battery charger, as well as either the coach'es Microwave Oven, Coffee Maker, or Toaster (but only one at a time).

We found we did not need the genny at night as we powered the fridge via propane overnight, and we did not need the air conditioner or even a fan at night. While it can be hot in July here, we had some favorable weather with pleasant night tempertures. All told, the Honda sipped about 1 gallon of gas per day.

Events included 3 days of Air Shows with the USAF Thunderbirds taking the top billing, along with several other acts. There were scheduled Balloon launches each morning and afternoon, however a few usually get scrubbed due to weather (high winds, rain, etc).

This year, there were 5 successful launches. The Balloon competition usually consists of the Balloonist's either leaving from the airport or flying into the airport, attempting to throw a bean bag at a target. After several such events, the scores are tallied up to declare a winner.

Another must-see event is the "Balloon Illume", often held the last night after close of competition. The balloons line the launch area at dusk and tether on the ground inflated. It looks dramatic - like a bunch of huge candles in the night sky.

This event has been running since 1981, and while it is not as large as it once was, there is still a lot to do and see. For example, there were around 40 hot air balloons at this year's event. In years past, there have been over 150 balloons.

Thing is, there are so many events and things going on that you almost have to stay at the RV Village to take them all in. We already have our calendar marked for next year's event.

Getting to the event is easy, with the airport located about 3 miles north of I-94, which is the major east-west interstate highway between Chicago and Detroit. Battle Creek is about 170 miles east of Chicago, and 100 miles west of Detroit. Once you get into town, the route is well marked.

Driving distance from Chicago to Silver Lake, Mi is around 200 miles, and from Detroit to Pentwater is 200 miles as well. It is approximately 100 miles north of the half-way point of a direct line between Chicago and Detroit, and is easily accessable from the Interstate Highway system. As well, Battle Creek is about 10 miles west of I-69, which is the main north-south interstate in this part of the state.

If you bring a motorhome without a vehicle, there is a major department and grocery store withn 1/4 mile, so it is within walking distance for most people. Of course, if you have a towed vehicle, then you have access to everything in town. You can also walk into the front gates of the concourse (a fee applies) and buy the typical Carnival-fare food; everything from Funnel Cakes to French Fries.

So, if you are looking for something different for next year's 4th of July weekend, try boondocking at the Battle Creek Field of Flight for a few days. You won't be disappointed. Michigan also has one of the nation's best state park systems, and often people combine this event with the rest of the week exploring some of those areas. Sitting on one of Lake Michigan's sand dunes in July weather is one easy way to keep cool in the summer.

References:

Battle Creek Field of Flight. Official website; get information, schedule, dates, and application forms for the RV Village.