MEADVILLE, PA. Pilots of hot air balloons to compete

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Balloonists from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Maryland will take to the skies June 14-16 for the 14th annual Thurston Classic hot air balloon event.
The balloons will first be visible Thursday night, when 10 balloonists will tether and inflate their balloons at Meadville Area Senior High's Bender Field on upper North Street.
Spectators will be seated on the stadium bleachers to watch the balloons, which glow like light bulbs in the dark.
Balloons will begin launching Friday evening at 6 p.m. from Robertson Field in downtown Meadville. The flights will be sanctioned races for various prizes.
The launch site is accessible from exit 147A off Interstate 79.
The schedule of events:
UThursday: 9 p.m., Bender Field at Meadville Area Senior High School. Balloons are inflated, tethered and appear as giant illuminated light bulbs.
UFriday: Sponsor's Flight, 6 p.m., Robertson Field, Allegheny College. Balloons will be inflated and lift off from the complex.
USaturday: Race 1, 7 a.m., Robertson Field. Balloons will fly into the complex from outlying areas, and pilots will attempt to hit a specific target on the ground with beanbags tossed from their balloons. Race 2 at 6 p.m. at Robertson will have the balloons lift off from the complex.
UJune 16: Pilots will again fly into the complex trying to hit a target on the ground with beanbags tossed from their balloons.
All events are subject to weather conditions. Unsuitable weather conditions could cause delays or cancellations.
Parking is limited. No seating is provided (other than at Thursday's event), so spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.