Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

The unofficial official start to this year's Balloonfest held out at Howell High School Wednesday night.

"We've got some special shape balloons going up this year, which we have not had in the past," says Balloonfest Chairman Jake Andrews.

Friday night includes fireworks. Saturday evening is the popular the glow, where balloons are lit up in the middle of the field.

"We're actually going to be joined by 'Sammy the Seal' and 'Chris P. Bacon,' a few different special shapes that are going to inflate in the field after everyone takes off and just kind of show off for the crowd, which I think will be really neat."

"We've got an open-air marketplace. We've craft vendors. We've got food vendors. We've got a carnival. Some big name headliners who play music and get everyone dancing and that sort of thing," Andrews added.

This year's entertainment lineup features Rust Life, Denise Davis $ the Motor City Sensations, Slick Jimmy Band, Magic Bus and Parted Waters.

Wednesday's kickoff event was mainly for the media, Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, members and sponsors.

Officials are expecting tens of thousands of attendees if the weather holds out.

The 39th Annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest runs June 28-30. Tickets are $5.00 per person, per day. Children 3 & under admitted free. Parking is free.

Carnival ride tickets are an additional cost.

WHMI will be out live with the Box That Rocks all weekend long.

Click the link below for a schedule of events.