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Anderson Independent Mail

McLees Celebration Full of Hot Air

By Michael Eads

Anderson, SC -- Principal, assistant principal go aloft as students watch.

Simpsonville, SC - May 1, 2013 - A festival with three decades of history in the Southeast is soaring to new heights. Aloft, formerly known as Freedom Weekend Aloft, will feature major concerts, 4 satellite entertainment stages and 80 hot air balloons.

This year the new Aloft is focused on adventure attractions and memorable experiences. Festival-goers will be able to zipline over the causeway, take painting classes, dine from gourmet food trucks and take part in a unique craft beer experience. Large pools will be brought in to allow for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking demonstrations. People will enjoy stellar patriotic tributes, RC airplanes, aerobatics, helicopter rides and more.

One of the most exciting additions to this year's festival is the Gibbon Slacklines Open Presented by Terrapin Beer Company. It will look something like this: Gibbon 2012

"If you're not familiar with slacklining, it is the act of balancing along a narrow, flexible piece of webbing which is low to the ground and usually anchored between two trees," explains Emilio Torres, vice president of sales at Gibbon Slacklines, “For more experienced slackliners, like the Gibbon Pro team, tricklining is executing different flips, tricks and jumps on the slackline while continually developing more creative stunts with bigger air and advanced skill. Slacklining is skyrocketing in popularity as both an extreme sport and fun outdoor activity for everyone, and we’re thrilled to introduce even more people to the sport at Aloft.”

Sixteen professional slackliners from around the globe will amaze festival-goers with tricks and jumps as they compete for cash prizes in a mini stadium. An interactive slackline zone with appropriate padding will also be in place so attendees can try the sport for themselves.

"Thrilling attractions like this will give people new reasons to check out Aloft," explains Aloft Associate Director Frank Skorzewski who's also the CFO of Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, Georgia. "We want this to be a festival to be full of action and experiences, not just exhibits for people to see."

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, May 24: Kip Moore, Emerson Drive, Outshyne

Up-and-Coming country artist Kip Moore has been playing to sold-out crowds. His debut album, "Up All Night," has produced two number one hits with songs 'Beer Money' and 'Somethin' Bout A Truck'. The Tifton, Georgia native performed his brand new single, 'Hey Pretty Girl' on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a few weeks ago. He'll join Toby Keith on his summer tour.

The Canadian country music band Emerson Drive is well-known for "Moments" which reached number one of the Billboard's hot country songs. The band's 7th studio album, "Roll," has been nominated for country album of the year at the 2013 Juno Awards.

South Carolina's own Outshyne will be coming off a big show at Darlington Motor Speedway. The Millstar Nashville Recording Artist just had their first single, "Dirt Road Romance," hit the radio.

Saturday, May 25: Corey Smith, Andy Grammer

Country rocker Corey Smith is a Georgia native who's well known for songs like "Maybe Next Year" and "Twenty-One." Smith was named one of country music's hottest new artists and has played hundreds of sold-out shows.

Singer songwriter Andy Grammer is a platinum-selling artist with over a million tracks sold. His massive hit "Keep Your Head Up" was recently certified platinum and his follow-up up single, "Fine by Me," is certified gold. Grammar is the first male artist to hit the Top 10 in Billboard's Adult Pop chart with his first two singles since John Mayer did it in 2002.

Sunday, May 26: Third Eye Blind with special guest Sister Hazel

Third Eye Blind formed in the early nineties and took the world by storm in 1997 when they released their self-titled debut album including the single, "Semi Charmed Life," which instantly took over mainstream radio. A handful of hits followed including, "How's It Gonna Be," "Never Let You Go," and "Jumper."

Sister Hazel is an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida whose most successful single is "All For You."

Tickets are on sale now at www.Aloft.org

Advance tickets are $8

At the festival gates tickets will cost $12 before 4:00 and $15 after

Children 12 and under get in free

Aloft presented by Greenville Health System is a 501c3 non-profit that gives back to charitable organizations, it's been ranked as one of the Southeast's Best Events by Southern Living Magazine and it has hit audience levels of more than 200,000 people. More information can be found at www.Aloft.org

Aloft Media Contact: Margaret Burnquist

Email: Margaret@Aloft.org

Phone: 864-991-7203

Media Passes: Available by sending a request to Margaret.

Festival Website: www.aloft.org

Phone 864-228-0025

About Gibbon Slacklines USA

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Gibbon Slacklines USA is the exclusive North American distributor for Gibbon Slacklines. Gibbon Slacklines are a fun and accessible way to increase balance, build muscle, and rehabilitate injuries.

Gibbon Slacklines are available at over 3,000 retailers across the U.S. The company holds slacklining competitions across North America and sponsors a group of athletes to travel the country introducing and teaching the sport of slacklining. For more information about Gibbon slacklines or the sport of slacklining, visit www.gibbonslacklines.com/us

April 26, 2013 Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary School students won't soon forget their up close and personal experience with a hot air balloon this morning. In the field with a real pilot, they learned the basics of balloon flight and what makes ballooning so fun. Because of the breeze they also saw how quickly a balloon can be deflated in windy conditions.

Organizers are now announcing three more unique hot air balloon camps to motivate and educate future pilots. They're sponsored by the Bojangles' Star Leadership Program.

When/Where: Thursday, May 9th Center for Developmental Services

Program takes place in the field at neighboring St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave / Greenville, SC 29601

5:00pm "A Little Bit of Aloft"

A specialized balloon with a wheelchair accessible basket will give CDS kids a thrilling ride

Saturday May 11th @ Roper Mountain Science Center, Second Saturday Program

402 Roper Mountain Rd Greenville, SC 29615

9:00am - 1:00pm

Event includes a hot air balloon in homestead field, "pilot talk" every 15 minutes, videos, hands-on demonstration

Second Saturday typically hosts between 1400-2000 visitors

Friday, May 17th @ McLee's Academy of Leadership, Anderson

4900 Dobbins Bridge Road Anderson, SC 29626

Program begins at 8:30

An interactive lesson in hot air ballooning involving the entire school

Coverage of each camp is greatly appreciated and interviews will be available with pilots, students and event organizers. Aloft presented by GHS is May 24-27 at Simpsonville's Heritage Park. Aloft is a 501c3 non-profit that gives back to charitable organizations. Tickets are available at www.aloft.org

Media Contact:

Margaret Burnquist

Margaret@FreedomWeekend.org

864-991-7203

What: Aloft presented by GHS is hosting a series hot air balloon camps sponsored by Bojangles

When: Friday, April 26 program begins 8:15am

Where: Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary School
2957 Highway 56 Pauline, SC 29374

Why: To motivate and educate future pilots


Students at Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary in Spartanburg County will see a hot air balloon in the sky as they approach their school on Friday morning, April 26th. It's the first in a series of balloon camps sponsored by Aloft and The Bojangles' Star Leadership Program meant to inspire and educate future pilots.

The balloon will land for an interactive lesson in hot air ballooning led by Tom Mullinax. Then, after some hands-on interaction, the school's second graders will continue into the science room for more learning as they pass around balloon props and begin to understand the specifics of hot air balloon flight.

Tony Birch of Bojangles' attended school in Spartanburg County District 6 and wanted to give back. Over the years he's found many ways to get Bojangles' involved in programs to benefit schools like Pauline-Glenn. "There's nothing more rewarding than getting kids excited about leadership learning," says Birch.

Coverage of balloon camp is greatly appreciated and interviews will be available with pilots, students and event organizers.  Other balloon camps

Aloft presented by GHS is May 24-27 at Simpsonville's Heritage Park. The site will host the Balloon Federation of America's Southeast Regional Championships and the South Carolina State Championships for 2013. Aloft is a 501c3 non-profit that gives back to charitable organizations.

More information is available at www.aloft.org


Media Contact:
Margaret Burnquist
Margaret@FreedomWeekend.org
864-991-7203

Sister Hazel to Join Third Eye Blind at Aloft 2013

Simpsonville - April 22, 2013 - The list of headlining bands is finally complete. Aloft presented by GHS is proud to announce Sister Hazel as the guest band on Sunday, May 26th at the Heritage Park Ampitheater.

Executive Director Cindy Nelson jokes, "Finally we figured out. But it took a long, long time."

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, May 24: Kip Moore, Emerson Drive, Outshyne
Up-and-Coming country artist Kip Moore has been playing to sold-out crowds.  His debut album, "Up All Night," has produced two number one hits with songs 'Beer Money' and 'Somethin' Bout A Truck'. The Tifton, Georgia native performed his brand new single, 'Hey Pretty Girl' on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a few weeks ago. He'll join Toby Keith on his summer tour.
The Canadian country music band Emerson Drive is well-known for "Moments" which reached number one of the Billboard's hot country songs. The band's 7th studio album, "Roll," has been nominated for country album of the year at the 2013 Juno Awards.
South Carolina's own Outshyne will be coming off a big show at Darlington Motor Speedway. The Millstar Nashville Recording Artist just had their first single, "Dirt Road Romance," hit the radio.

Saturday, May 25: Corey Smith, Andy Grammer
Country rocker Corey Smith is a Georgia native who's well known for songs like "Maybe Next Year" and "Twenty-One." Smith was named one of country music's hottest new artists and has played hundreds of sold-out shows.
Singer songwriter Andy Grammer is a platinum-selling artist with over a million tracks sold. His massive hit "Keep Your Head Up" was recently certified platinum and his follow-up up single, "Fine by Me," is certified gold. Grammar is the first male artist to hit the Top 10 in Billboard's Adult Pop chart with his first two singles since John Mayer did it in 2002.

Sunday, May 26: Third Eye Blind with special guest Sister Hazel
Third Eye Blind formed in the early nineties and took the world by storm in 1997 when they released their self-titled debut album including the single, "Semi Charmed Life," which instantly took over mainstream radio. A handful of hits followed including, "How's It Gonna Be," "Never Let You Go," and "Jumper."
Sister Hazel is an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida whose most successful single is "All For You."

Tickets are on sale now at www.Aloft.org
Advance tickets are $8
At the festival gates tickets will cost $12 before 4:00 and $15 after
Children 12 and under get in free

Aloft, presented by GHS over Memorial Weekend, is a 501c3 non-profit that gives back to charitable organizations. This year, Aloft's charitable partner is the Center for Developmental Services. The agency, located in downtown Greenville,  helps parents with developmentally delayed children access the tools and resources they need to face their challenges. More information about Aloft can be found at www.aloft.org

Roper Mountain Science Center Latongia Pepper, (864) 355-8903 lpepper@greenville.k12.sc.us
402 Roper Mountain Road Greg Cornwell, (864) 355-8905 gcornwel@greenville.k12.sc.us
Greenville, SC 29615

Space Day 2013…
Solar System Ambassador Visit Highlights Celebration at Roper Mountain Science Center!

Greenville, SC May 11, 2013
Space Day is an award-winning educational initiative that seeks to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. It also helps to inspire young people to realize the vision of our space pioneers.
Space Day 2013 celebration will take place from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11th at Roper Mountain Science Center. Featured guest speaker will be Tony Rice, a Solar System Ambassador with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The event is sponsored by Lockheed Martin, a Space Day partner and founder.
Rice is currently based in Raleigh, North Carolina where he supports educational and public outreach efforts of NASA centers including the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. His 20+ year career in the aerospace and telecommunications spans research and development in software engineering, data center operations, test automation and cloud computing with patents pending.
Additional Space Day 2013 Activities include:
· Aloft pilot Tom Mullinax will tether his beautiful rainbow-checked hot air balloon in Roper Mountain’s farm meadow!
· Aloft volunteers will inspire future aviators with a hands-on activity on the construction and science of hot air balloons.
· Engineers from Lockheed Martin will launch model rockets, rocket balloons, and answer questions about rocketry and Lockheed’s participation in the Space Program.
· Lockheed Martin Engineers host a Rocket Engineering Design Challenge!
· Pilots with Airwolf Aviation Services will assist visitors in folding paper planes and point out the similarities between paper planes and real airplanes while answering questions regarding becoming a pilot and the principals of flight.
· Earth Fare located at 3620 Pelham Road will be providing a “Make your own moon dirt station”. Healthy treats will get kids excited about healthy snacking! The store will also provide coupons worth extra savings to parents!

Other activities will include live solar viewing in the Daniel Observatory (weather permitting), and the new Flight Adventures planetarium show in the Hooper Planetarium. Skilled amateur astronomers will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss telescopes. Astronomer and Meteorite collector, Mike Parker will share his meteorite collection with visitors.

Roper Mountain Science Center is open to the public on the Second Saturday of each month. Activities will be ongoing in the Discovery Room, Ecology and Marine Labs, Living History Farm, Tropical Rainforest Habitat, Daniel Observatory, and the T.C. Hooper Planetarium.

Space Day 2013 Saturday hours are 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Admission is: $5 for children (age 5-12); $6 for Teens and Adults (ages 13-59); and $5 for senior citizens (age 60 and over). All events are included in the general admission to the Center. No admission is charged for children 4 and under or RMSC Association members.

Roper Mountain Science Center is owned and operated by Greenville County Schools as an educational resource for teachers, students, families and adults. Roper Mountain Science Center is located at 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, South Carolina. Check out the Center's website at www.ropermountain.org for directions to the Center or information about special events and other programs. For further information, please call the Center at (864) 355-8900.

Roper Mountain Science Center: www.ropermountain.org

Aloft announces musical performers, adventure attractions
By Casey Vaughn 

SIMPSONVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - Aloft, the annual weekend festival that fills Simpsonville's sky with the sight of hot air balloons and the sound of live music, announced some of its major attractions on Wednesday. Read More

Simpsonville - April 10, 2013 - After more than 30 years of entertaining the Upstate, the festival formerly known as Freedom Weekend Aloft has undergone a major makeover including a new name, a new logo and an emphasis on adventure attractions. "The new Aloft is all about giving people reasons to spend the entire day with us at Heritage Park," said Executive Director Cindy Nelson, "We want people to be actively engaged, never running out of attractions to explore."

Kicking off Aloft's new image in 2013 will be performances by country artist Kip Moore, Andy Grammer, Corey Smith, Third Eye Blind and 50 other bands. "This year's line-up is about quality and variety," says Nelson, "We've never had so many choices for entertainment."

From May 24-27 Simpsonville's Heritage Park will feature those concerts along with 80 hot air balloons, a zipline over the causeway, 4 satellite entertainment stages, a craft beer experience, painting classes by Sassy Paints, stand-up comedy, gourmet food trucks, patriotic tributes, RC airplanes, ultralight planes and more.

Professional athletes will amaze festival-goers with tricks and jumps as they participate in slackline competitions. There will also be an interactive slackline zone by Gibbon Slacklines so attendees can try the sport for themselves. Large pools will be brought in to allow for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking demonstrations.

"We couldn't be happier about the way this festival is coming together," said Nelson during today's press event at Hillcrest Memorial Hospital, "I'm delighted by the support we're getting as we take this festival with three decades of tradition and make it even greater. Aloft's success means a positive impact in our community and for our charitable partners."

“Greenville Health System and Hillcrest Memorial Hospital are thrilled to help support this event for the sixth year because it’s a great opportunity to show the community that being healthy can be fun,” said Dr. Eric Bour, a surgeon who practiced at Hillcrest Memorial before becoming its president. “We look forward to working with our community partners and Aloft organizers to provide exciting new opportunities to get fit and be active. For more than 50 years, GHS has served as the Golden Strip’s premier healthcare resource with our Simpsonville Medical Campus. Simpsonville is a fantastic place to live and work, and we are proud to have been an integral part of this community.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Friday, May 24: Kip Moore, Emerson Drive, Outshyne
Up-and-Coming country artist Kip Moore has been playing to sold-out crowds. His debut album, "Up All Night," has produced two number one hits with songs 'Beer Money' and 'Somethin' Bout A Truck'. The Tifton, Georgia native performed his brand new single, 'Hey Pretty Girl' on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a few weeks ago. He'll join Toby Keith on his summer tour.
The Canadian country music band Emerson Drive is well-known for "Moments" which reached number one of the Billboard's hot country songs. The band's 7th studio album, "Roll," has been nominated for country album of the year at the 2013 Juno Awards.
South Carolina's own Outshyne will be coming off a big show at Darlington Motor Speedway. The Nashville Recording Artists just had their first single, "Dirt Road Romance," hit the radio.

Saturday, May 25: Corey Smith, Andy Grammer
Country rocker Corey Smith is a Georgia native who's well known for songs like "Maybe Next Year" and "Twenty-One." Smith was named one of country music's hottest new artists and has played hundreds of sold-out shows.
Singer songwriter Andy Grammer is a platinum-selling artist with over a million tracks sold. His massive hit "Keep Your Head Up" was recently certified platinum and his follow-up up single, "Fine by Me," is certified gold. Grammar is the first male artist to hit the Top 10 in Billboard's Adult Pop chart with his first two singles since John Mayer did it in 2002.

Sunday, May 26: Third Eye Blind with special guest TBA
Third Eye Blind formed in the early nineties and took the world by storm in 1997 when they released their self-titled debut album including the single, "Semi Charmed Life," which instantly took over mainstream radio. A handful of hits followed including, "How's It Gonna Be," "Never Let You Go," and "Jumper."

Tickets are on sale now at www.Aloft.org
Advance tickets are $8
At the festival gates tickets will cost $12 before 4:00 and $15 after
Children 12 and under get in free

Aloft, presented by GHS over Memorial Weekend, is a 501c3 non-profit that gives back to charitable organizations. This year, Aloft's charitable partner is the Center for Developmental Services. The agency, located in downtown Greenville, helps parents with developmentally delayed children access the tools and resources they need to face their challenges. More information can be found at http://www.cdservices.org/

Media Contact:
Margaret Burnquist
Margaret@FreedomWeekend.org
864-991-7203

GreenvilleOnline.com
January 25, 2013

Thumbs Up: Balloon event makes exciting changes

Thumbs Up to the organizers and leaders of Freedom Weekend Aloft for making some exciting changes to ensure this event stays fresh and inviting at a time when many people have many more entertainment options than they did 30 years ago. Read more.

Simpsonville Balloon Festival Rebrands, Adds Events for 2013

The Simpsonville hot air balloon festival, formerly known as Freedom Weekend Aloft, will add events and be rebranded as “Aloft 2013.”

In addition to the annual hot air balloons, plans call for a zipline, helicopter rides, model airplane races, stand-up paddle boarding, craft beer, wine tastings and upgraded entertainment at Heritage Park. Read more.

Changes for Freedom Weekend Aloft

Fun has a new name in 2013: ALOFT. After more than 30 years of entertaining the Upstate, Freedom Weekend Aloft has undergone a major makeover. Community leaders and event sponsors got the first preview of Aloft 2013 during a kick-off gala Thursday night at the Children's Museum of the Upstate. Read more.

A Major Makeover Beckons for 'Freedom Weekend Aloft'

Freedom Weekend Aloft, a Memorial Day weekend mainstay in the Upstate for 32 years, is getting a major makeover in 2013.

The festival, held in Simpsonville's Heritage Park, will still feature the hot-air balloons that have been a hallmark throughout its history. But the event, which has seen its peak of 200,000 annual visitors dwindle over the years, is in desperate need of an overhaul if it's to remain relevant, said board member Frank Skorzewski. Read more.