Events of Monday, July 13, 2026
Women's National Balloon Championship. More than fifteen female pilots across the country will converge on Jackson to vie for the title of the 2025 National Champion and potentially secure a spot to represent Team USA in the 2027 Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Competitive ballooning puts pilots to the test in distance, speed, and navigational precision. Each flight entails various competitive tasks, requiring pilots to skillfully utilize winds at different altitudes to guide their balloons to specific targets around Jackson. Pilots will be competing all throughout Jackson County, various locations and at various times. Watch the sky! Pilots receive their starting locations around Jackson each morning of the competition and locations are not publicized. Flights are weather permitting, July 13-18, 2026. Myth Crackers. Are owls truly wise? Do turtles come out of their shells? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more! Grass Lake Branch (at Whistlestop Depot): July 13, 5:30 PM, Meijer Branch: July 15, 6 PM. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/mr48uzf8. This program is presented by Howell Nature Center and addresses common wildlife myths and, together with the audience’s help, we’ll find out if they are “correct” or “cracked" while learning about wildlife. This event is part of…
