The 5^th Annual “Fields of Flight” Hot Air Balloon Festival will welcome more than 20 hot air balloonists from across the country this weekend.  Area residents can enjoy the floating works of art as they grace the skies of Pottawattamie County on Friday, September 7th and Saturday, September 8th, beginning at 5:00pm.  The hot air balloons and their pilots will light up the evening skies at the nightly balloon glows, held both evenings.

Net proceeds from the annual event will go to purchase food for MICAH House, an emergency shelter in Council Bluffs serving families and individuals who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness. The funds will support services for more than 760 individuals annually, half of whom are children. For over 26 years, MICAH House has been a haven of shelter and support services for those who are homeless and is the only family shelter in the metro area.

Guests enjoy admission for just $1.00, $5.00 parking (per car), and fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family including competition and fun flights, balloon glows, live music, kids activities, apples, a wide variety of food items unique to the orchard/vineyard, and wine. Spread out your blanket and enjoy a truly memorable experience in one of Council Bluffs most beautiful settings, Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, located at 19475 225^th Street.

For more information on this special event or to learn more about MICAH House, please contact Lisa Emken at 712-323-4416

* All balloon flights and displays are weather permitting.

Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Seivert said today (Thursday), that the Fire Danger Index will remain in the “Extreme” category in Shelby County. Seivert says his office will continue to monitor any rain that falls over the weekend, to see if there is any impact on reducing the fire danger. Farmers in the area are working on bringing in their crops, and as the amount of available fuel for explosive fire growth…corn, beans, and tall grasses.. are removed from the equation, the threat of uncontrolled fires will continue to diminish as well. The next scheduled update on the fire conditions, is expected on Monday, Sept. 10th.

In the meantime, extra precautions should be taken while farmers are out in the field, to ensure their machines are free of debris and that fires are not started behind those implements while the harvest is underway.