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Howell Balloonfest is almost here. A pilot with 43 years in the air tells us what to expect.
By Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
Craig Elliott flew more than 2,600 flights and carried tens of thousands of passengers. Now he's sharing what made the Michigan skies his favorite. Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Look up for Michigan Challenge BalloonnfestA retired balloon pilot with more than four decades of experience i...
Key takeaway Craig Elliott, known to many as Captain Sunshine, spent 43 years as a balloon pilot, logging more than 2,600 flights and carrying tens of thousands of passengers, often tens of thousands of feet above the ground.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The Howell Balloonfest is a beloved summer tradition in the Detroit area, and this year's 41st annual event promises to be just as vibrant as years past. With a retired balloon pilot like Craig Elliott attending, attendees can expect a unique perspective on the art of ballooning. As a pilot who has spent decades flying over Michigan, Elliott's affection for the state's skies is a testament to the natural beauty of the region. The festival's location at Howell High School also underscores the strong community ties that make events like this possible. For locals, the Balloonfest is a highlight of the summer, with neighbors eagerly anticipating the colorful spectacle that fills the skies. As the festival gets underway, residents can look forward to a weekend of excitement and wonder, with the added bonus of learning from experienced pilots like Elliott.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Craig Elliott flew more than 2,600 flights and carried tens of thousands of passengers. Now he's sharing what made the Michigan skies his favorite. Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Look up for Michigan Challenge BalloonnfestA retired balloon pilot with more than four decades of experience i...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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