"Moonglow" at the 2008 Mayor's Cup in Rochester, Minnesota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FEBRUARY 27, 2009

The Mayor’s Cup Invitational Hot Air Balloon Race has been canceled for 2009.  After extensive discussions with the event’s major sponsors, and a careful examination of projected operating expenses, the decision was made to cancel the race for this year.

Roscoes Root Beer & Ribs, Re/Max Realtors of Rochester, Higgins Custom Cabinetry and Spring Green Lawn Care, as well as event founder and organizer George Ibach of Ibach Balloon Company in Minneapolis came to the agreement this week.

They will immediately start evaluating the future of the event into 2010 and beyond.

The Mayor’s Cup has been part of Rochesterfest for 23 years.  It has traditionally been held during the last weekend of the city’s annual celebration.

Questions and comments about this decision are encouraged, and can be posted here.