Chino Federal Balloon Rally
7/24/08    For Immediate Release
Contact:  Dave Johnson (575) 543-8600 dave@demingduckrace.com

(Deming)--Hot Air Balloons will be aloft again this year during the
annual Great American Duck Race.
   According to Balloon Quacker Glenna Damstra, we expect about 20 Hot
Air Balloons for the Chino Federal Credit Union Hot Air Balloon Rally.
   Weather permitting, the balloons will go up both Saturday and 
Sunday, August 23rd and 24th at about 7 am.  Every sponsor over $500 
will receive a free balloon ride, and will have the ability to help
crew.  In fact, if you are not a sponsor, but would still like to help
with this year's event, you can attend a training seminar Saturday,
August 2nd at 9 am at the Deming Soccer Field.  Each participant is
asked to bring a pair of gloves.
    This year, weather permitting, several balloons will inflate and glow 
to special music centering around this year's theme, "Gone Country".  In addition 
to the music for the Balloon Glow being broadcast on the local radio stations 
(KOTS-AM 1230, and KDEM-FM, 94.3) there will be a live DJ with a sound systems 
at the Soccer Field.  That means even if you have no radio, you will be able
to hear the Balloon Glow Music.  Thanks for providing this service go
out to Josh Lewis and Stagecoach West Productions.  The Chino Federal 
Balloon Glow is Saturday night, August 23rd at about 8 pm.
   Lewis will also be on hand for the Mimbres Memorial Hospital Duck 
Royalty Pageant Thursday night.
   The Luna County Soccer League has again agreed to supply food and
snacks for both ascensions Saturday and Sunday mornings and the Balloon 
Glow Saturday night.
   Damstra also asked that others be advised the Soccer League is the
exclusive vendor for the balloon events.  Damstra said "several years ago vendors
were setting up outside the fence and selling just about everything".
This is not fair since other Duck Race vendors pay a fee for their spaces.
If a vendor other than the Soccer League tries to set up, they WILL be
asked to leave.
   On the subject of rules, PLEASE remember that NO pets are allowed at
the Courthouse Park.  Dogs and ducks do not mix.  Please leave the dogs and
cats at home, or make arrangements with a kennel to keep your pets for
the weekend.  There are no exceptions. Even though the county does allow pets on 
leashes throughout the year, none will be allowed during the duck race.
Vendors as well as spectators and participants are not allowed pets at the park.
   The Great American Duck Race is August 21st-24th.  For more information
call 888 345-1125, or visit the website at demingduckrace.com.
   The Great American Duck Race is sponsored in part by Luna Energy Facility and 
Border Foods of Deming.