SkyJam 2006

7/30/2006 - Balloonists Take Flight At County AirportArea residents and visitors are invited to join Chautauqua Leadership Network Members at SKYJAM 2006 — a hot air balloon rally. This annual event is set for Friday, Aug. 5 and Saturday, Aug. 6 at the old Chautauqua County Airport off Route 60, north of Jamestown.Gates open each day at 3 p.m., parking is $5 per vehicle and admission to the grounds is free. In addition to the balloon launches set for dusk on Friday and Saturday and dawn on Saturday, there will be bandstand entertainment, airplane rides, kite-flying opportunities, a variety of food vendors and other family-centered activities.‘‘Over 17 hot air balloons will be at SKYJAM this year,’’ stated co-chairs Jean McGowan and Bill Burley. ‘‘Some returning favorites will be joining us, but there are some new balloons for the crowd to enjoy. In addition to flying over our county, the balloonists will return to the airport grounds each night for a spectacular balloon glow.’’ McGowan continued, ‘‘ Bring a blanket or lawn chair and plan on spending the evening watching the balloons lift off, fill the skies and then return to light up the night with colors during the glow.’’SKYJAM is an activity sponsored by Chautauqua Leadership Network and designed to raise funds to provide scholarships for county residents interested in attending the leadership network classes. Classes begin each February, run throughout the year. The mission of CLN focuses on identifying and nurturing regional leaders and providing them with the framework and network needed to become civic trustees helping their communities.

Balloon rides are approximately $225 per person. Contact pilot directly at SkyJam.

SkyJam 2006 is powered by T.P.S.More information about the CLN mission or enrolling in the 2006-2007 class is available at www.chautauqualeadership.org or by calling Coordinator Pene Hutton at 484-8814.

Sponsors for the annual balloon rally include NRG, McDonalds, T.P.S., R and R Landscaping, Jamestown Plastics, Acu-Rite, The Gerry Rodeo, HSBC Bank, Buffamonte,Whipple and Buttafaro Accounting Firm, DFT Communications, The Resource Center, Starbucks Coffee, Peek ‘n Peak, Lamar Advertising, The Sign Lady, Merritt Winery, Radio Station SE93 and Truck Lite. Also, Jamestown Savings Bank, Lena’s Pizza, Murak and Associates, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, Smith and Short Insurance, Community Bank, What’s Happening Western New York and Jamestown Mattress.

For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com