We were up bright and early Saturday morning to catch the launch of Airborne Adventure's balloon from Oz-Stravaganza.  It was a perfect morning and Pilot Dwight Cramer and crew took 5 people up up and away for a ride over Chittenango and northern Madison County.  Below is a slide show highlighting the launch.

 
 

It's official, its almost August. The weather so far this summer has for the most part been pretty desirable. I hope you've gotten a chance to attend some of the great events that have taken place in the area thus far. The last weekend in July is looking like its jam packed with family friendly events for you and yours. Here are a few that may interest you:

Munnsville - The Madison County Gravity Fest/The Stockbridge Valley Community Fair/ The Stockbridge Valley Balloon Rally: Whew...did you get all that in? One town, One Weekend and Three exciting events! The Stockbridge Valley Community Fair, located on the Stockbridge Valley Central School Athletic Fields offers fun for the entire family. Three Great days of fun start at 7pm on Friday with a parade in Munnsville followed by the opening of the community fair w/music by the Canastota Community Band. After the band at 9pm there will be Fireworks! The community fair will be featuring Craft show and Flea market, antique Tractors and Steam Engines, Live Music and Entertainment, Amusement Park Rides and concessions by Stock's Family Amusements, Games for the Kids and Much more. Special Events this year include Tractor Pulls on Sunday, Gladiola & Flower show, Fireman's Chicken BBQ Sunday Noon til, and Hot Air Balloon Rally Liftoff (weather permitting). A weekend of fun sponsored by the Stockbridge Valley Ruritan. There will also be a shuttle service to Gravity Fest V on East Hill Road in Munnsville. Not sure what the Gravity Fest is all about...well it can be summed up like this, Speed without Horsepower! Athletes will compete at speeds of over 70mph. It’s Exciting! It’s Extreme! Its Street Luge, Downhill Skateboarding and Gravity Bikes! Free admission, rain or shine. For more information on the events taking place in Munnsville, call (315)-495-6215 or visit, Madison County Gravity Fest or The Balloon Rally website.

 Earlville - The Earlville Opera House Presents: Chris Smither - Acoustic Blues. According to the Associated Press, "Smither is an American original, a product of the musical melting pot, and one of the absolute best singer/songwriters in the world". I researched Smither quite a bit and he has been in the business for many years. His reviews enticed me to learn more about him. I listened to a few of his songs and I'll admit it...I'm the newest Chris Smither fan! His music will speak to a variety of music fans no matter what your taste is. Take the opportunity to see this famed artist as he makes a stop in our area. If you'd like to hear for yourself, visit his myspace page . The show begins at 8pm on Friday the 25th at the EOH. Ticket prices range from $15-$25 and you can get them online up until 5pm the day of the show. For more information visit the EOH website.

Cazenovia - Think Globally, Shop Locally Friday: The shops of Cazenovia are at it again. This Friday, all of the galleries and many of the shops in Caz will be open till 8pm. Each will welcome patrons with refreshments for browsing and taking in the night. Become a part of a new Cazenovia tradition. Open to the Public. As always Children Welcome. Come enjoy this unique shopping experience so close by.