2012 ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL PRESS KIT WWW.PROFOOTBALLHOFEF.COM INSIDE THIS PRESS KIT

Welcome Letter

Credential Pick-Up & Media Check-in Instructions

Media Policies for the Enshrinement Festival

2012 Festival Event Schedule

Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival History

Enshrinement Festival Timeline

Image Library with Contact Sheet

2012 Enshrinement Festival Guide with Enshrinee Bios

Hot Air Balloon FAQs

Balloon Classic Invitational History

Drum Corps Competitor Fact Sheet

Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival NEWS RELEASES

WELCOME!

Welcome to Canton! Thank you for your interest in the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival – A One of a Kind Celebration! – presented by the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Each year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival is happy to welcome media from across the nation. The staff and a volunteer team of more than 4,200 are prepared to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. Although some requests may not be possible, the staff will do their very best to help you meet your story or photographic needs.

There are many things to see and do during your stay in Canton for our 49th anniversary. Inside this Press Kit, you’ll find information to help make your stay more exciting. Our city overflows with heroes and history; please let our staff know if you would like more information about what Canton has to offer.

Thank you, and enjoy the Enshrinement Festival!

Sincerely,

Joanne K. Murray, Director Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jess Bennett Monique Thompson Director of Marketing Events & Media Assistant 330.417.7715 330.313.5940 [email protected] [email protected] CREDENTIAL PICK-UP & CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS

All media personnel will be required to display Enshrinement Festival-issued credentials at all times. Please reference the event-specific credential pick-up instructions below:

BALLOON CLASSIC / JACKSON-BELDEN FOOD FEST General Event Coverage / Evening Launches Friday, July 20 & Saturday, July 21 - MUST check-in for field access between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Fri. Kent State Stark / Stark State College, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, Pick-up credentials and field wrist bands at the Public Service Announcer’s Tent near the field entrance. FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON Friday, Aug. 3 - check-in at 11 a.m. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Avenue N, Canton, Ohio Pick-up credentials at the media check-in in the vestibule on the Southeast corner of the building near Section #11. ENSHRINEES DINNER Friday, Aug. 3 - check-in by 6:30 p.m. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Avenue N, Canton, Ohio Pick-up credentials at the media check-in in the vestibule on the Southeast corner of the building near Section #11. TIMKEN GRAND PARADE Saturday, Aug. 4 Pick-up credentials on Friday, Aug. 3 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. There will be no on site check-in for the Timken Grand Parade the day of the event. Please pick-up credentials at the media check-in center location at the Civic Center (see Fashion Show Luncheon or Enshrinee Dinner events for details) or call (330) 458-2071 to coordinate pickup.

ENSHRINEES GAMEDAY ROUND TABLE Sunday, Aug. 5 - check-in at 12 p.m. Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Avenue N, Canton, Ohio Pick-up credentials at the media check-in in the vestibule on the Southeast corner of the building near Section #11. DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Monday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, 1 Paul Brown Drive SE, Massillon, Ohio Pick-up credentials at will-call at the main entrance of the west side of the stadium. FESTIVAL MEDIA POLICIES

BALLOON CLASSIC: POLICIES & PERMITTED AREAS Members of the media who wish to have access to the field for photographs and to speak with pilots and crew may do so only after obtaining a wrist-band and signing a waiver. INDOOR EVENTS: DESIGNATED SEATING & PERMITTED AREAS FOR MEDIA Upon arrival to Indoor Enshrinement Festival events that require media credentials, all media personnel will be escorted to designated seating and must remain in that area, or in the designated “Media Center,” located adjacent to the Media Check-in table in the ticket lobby of the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Access to the Civic Center’s floor will be limited and all members of the media must be escorted by a member of the media relations staff when accessing the Civic Center floor.

**Photographers are encouraged to bring appropriate lenses to achieve the desired shots. During the Civic Center events, photographers will be provided access to the stage perimeter at designated times. Media relations staff will coordinate this access. PARADE: POLICIES & PERMITTED AREAS FOR MEDIA Media are not permitted in the television viewing area during the parade. Media personnel are asked NOT to obstruct the progress of the parade at any time and NOT to approach parade units and participants on the street during the parade. The parade must remain forward-moving at all times. CIVIC CENTER MEDIA CENTER & AUDIO VISUAL A MEDIA CENTER will be provided at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Limited access to Wi-Fi Internet access will be available. A multimedia box with audio and visual access is available in the arena at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. TICKETED EVENTS/FOOD AND BEVERAGE Except for light refreshments, food and beverage service will not be provided for media personnel. Media representatives are welcome to purchase ticket(s) for food and beverage events by calling the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival ticket manager at (330) 458-2048. Requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. PARKING Regrettably, we are unable to provide a designated area for media parking during the events. Parking is available in the Cultural Center for the Arts parking deck, adjacent to the Canton Memorial Civic Center, or at nearby surface lots for a nominal fee. Early arrival is suggested, as traffic does become congested.

**Due to facility construction and safety logistics, satellite trucks cannot be accommodated at Canton Memorial Civic Center.

FESTIVAL MEDIA POLICIES

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

You must be on assignment by an accredited media outlet to be considered for credentials. As is consistent with NFL policy, and due to space limitations, we cannot credential Web sites that are not affiliated with a news organization or an NFL broadcast partner.

Individuals picking up their credentials will be required to show a photo ID.

An assignment letter from a recognized media outlet will be required for requests from freelancer writers and photographers.

Credentials will be issued in the name of the person identified on the application.

Media/photographic equipment may be subject to search by Enshrinement Festival security personnel.

Credentials are not transferable, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Committee reserves the right to limit and or reject any request at its discretion.

This information is provided to help ensure your media needs are met and that your experience in Canton is an enjoyable one. Thank you for your interest in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival!

DISCLAIMER Audio, video, photographic, and/or any other devices used for reproducing images and sounds of said events are prohibited without express consent from Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (Festival) in the way of media credentials or other specific authorization.

Use of such credentials is limited to accredited media and others as specifically approved by Festival. Further, credentials are offered to the media for the sole purpose of reporting the events and depicting the same through written, audio, video, photographic media.

All secondary, non-editorial, or commercial use of video, audio, photographic recordings, or other materials obtained through the use of media credentials is expressly prohibited. 2012 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

BALLOON CLASSIC/JACKSON-BELDEN FOOD FEST & FIREWORKS Friday, July 20, 6 a.m. and 4 – 11:30 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 6 a.m. and 4 – 11:30 p.m., Sunday, July 22, 6 a.m. Kent State University at Stark & Stark State College Campuses CONCERT AND FIREWORKS Saturday, July 28, 6 p.m., Downtown Canton, Cornerstone Square 2-MILE AND 5-MILE RACES Sunday, July 29, 8 a.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame COMMUNITY PARADE Sunday, July 29, 2:30 p.m. Downtown Canton RIBS BURNOFF Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, August 1- 3, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. daily, Stark County Fairgrounds FIRST PLAY 2012 Thursday, August 2, 10 a.m., Downtown Canton to the Pro Football Hall of Fame DEDICATION OF RALPH WILSON, JR. PRO FOOTBALL RESEARCH & PRESERVATION CENTER GRAND OPENING OF EXPANDED PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Friday, August 3, 10:00 a.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON Friday, August 3, 11:30 a.m., Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center CLASS OF 2012 MEDIA AVAILABILITY (PRESS CONFERENCE) Friday, August 3, 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Main Lobby, McKinley High School ENSHRINEES’ GOLD JACKET DINNER Friday, August 3, 5:15 p.m., Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center FRIDAY NIGHT RECEPTION AT THE HALL OF FAME Friday, August 3, 6 p.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame TIMKEN GRAND PARADE Saturday, August 4, 8 a.m., Downtown Canton MOUNTED MEMORIES AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS Saturday, August 4, Noon, Pro Football Hall of Fame ENSHRINEMENT CELEBRATION FAN PARTY Saturday, August 4, 4 to 6 p.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame CLASS OF 2012 ENSHRINEMENT Saturday, August 4, 7 p.m., Fawcett Stadium ENSHRINEES GAMEDAY ROUNDTABLE Sunday, August 5, 12:30 p.m., Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center CLASS OF 2012 AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS Sunday, August 5, 3 p.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame FAN APPRECIATION TAILGATE PARTY Sunday, August 5, 5 to 7 p.m., Pro Football Hall of Fame DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Monday, August 6, 6:30 p.m., Paul Brown Tiger Stadium HALL OF FAME & FESTIVAL HISTORY

THE HALL AND FESTIVAL THEN … On September 17, 1920, a group of men gathered in downtown Canton, Ohio, at the Hupmobile showroom of Ralph Hay, owner of the hometown Bulldogs; the building is now known as the Frank T. Bow Federal Building. The result of that historic meeting was the birth of the .

It seemed logical that a Canton Repository article published on December 6, 1959, announcing the need for a Professional Football Hall of Fame, marked Canton as the perfect site. Due to the tremendous efforts of the late Bill Umstattd, president of the Timken Company, late Paul Brown, legendary Cleveland Browns coach, late Clayton Horn, editor of The Repository, and others, the dream became a reality. The Greater Canton (now Canton Regional) Chamber or Commerce and the Canton Junior Chamber of Commerce (now the Jaycees) supported the idea and these men in their efforts.

After nearly two years of planning, they finally broke ground on August 11, 1962. Henry Stuhldreher of Massillon, the late quarterback of the legendary Notre Dame “Four Horsemen”, served as the master of ceremonies along with help from Pete Rozelle, former NFL commissioner and other dignitaries. Following the ceremony, the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals competed at Fawcett Stadium for 14,000 fans in the first ever Hall of Fame Game. The next year, the celebration expanded with the addition of the first Festival events, and the momentum hasn’t stopped. … AND NOW! The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce enjoys a huge level of support from members, volunteers, sponsors, governmental services, and especially, from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A team of more than 4,200 volunteers works year-round with the professional staffs at the Hall and Chamber to plan and stage 19 events over a two-week period for the enjoyment of nearly 700,000 people. The results of an economic impact survey conducted during the 2005 Enshrinement Festival revealed an economic impact of $30 million on Canton/Stark County and $55 million on the State of Ohio.

Directors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival have collaborated for the past 49 years in order to make the Enshrinement Festival the best, most “one of a kind” celebration possible. Directors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival have included: Janice C. Meyer, Dennis P. Saunier, and presently, Joanne K. Murray. Directors of the Hall of Fame have included: the late Dick McCann, the late Dick Gallagher, Pete Elliott, the late John W. Bankert, and currently Stephen A. Perry, president and executive director.

While the Pro Football Hall of Fame and annual Enshrinement Festival have realized successes well beyond even the most optimistic visions of their founding fathers, it is clear that even greater opportunities still lie ahead.

For a comprehensive history of the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME, please visit profootballhof.com.

For a comprehensive history of the ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL, consult the enclosed TIMELINE. TIMELINE FUN & INTERESTING FACTS

• In 1961, The Timken Company donated $100,000 and a fundraising campaign began to 1960s raise money to build the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. A donation of $300 or more bought donors a lifetime pass to the Hall of Fame, and one individual wanted a lifetime pass so badly that he paid $6.25 a month until he could reach the pledge amount.

• The first HOF Game was played in 1962 in front of 14,000 fans, with the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals playing to a 21 – 21 tie.

• The celebration continued to expand in 1963 with the addition of the first Festival events, thus earning recognition as “Football’s Greatest Weekend.” Wives of Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers modeled for a crowd of 300 at the first Fashion Show Luncheon on September 5, 1963 at the downtown Hotel Onesto. The Onesto also hosted a dance later that evening sponsored by the Canton Junior Chamber of Commerce.

• In 1964, an estimated 50,000 people gathered along the parade route at 10 a.m. to see more than 70 units. This year, an estimated 225,000 will gather at 7:30 a.m. to view more than 130 units. The first Mayor’s Breakfast was held at the Hotel Onesto with 225 in attendance.

• In 1965, Cynthia Hershey was crowned the first Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Queen, based on selection criteria of “imperturbability, personality, poise and beauty.”

• “The Variety Show” was a Festival event that made its first and last appearance in1966 , with tickets costing $2 or $4 for the 2,700 people who attended at the Memorial Auditorium. The featured entertainers were Benny Youngman and Jerry VanDyke. Scheduling difficulties prevented the Hall of Fame game from taking place, but the festivities continued.

• In 1967, the cocktail hour before the Enshrinees Civic Dinner was held outside the Mergus Restaurant and dinner was then held across the street in the Hotel Onesto.

• Over 300 people attended the 1968 Mayor’s Breakfast at the Onesto Hotel, for $3.50 per ticket.

• In order to honor the original director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in 1969 the Hall presented the first Dick McCann Memorial Award to George Strickler, the first president of the Pro Football Writers’ Association, at the Enshrinees Civic Dinner. 1970s• Janice C. Meyer came on board as Festival executive director in 1970, with a budget of $20,000. • President Richard Nixon came to Canton for the 1971 festivities, Robert Goulet entertained, and Mrs. Vince Lombardi was parade grand marshal.

• The Festival’s 10th anniversary was marked in 1973, and by that time, the budget had grown to $38,000 and committee chairmen were charged with three basic responsibilities: select their committees, develop a plan of activity and develop a budget. • Redd Foxx served as parade grand marshal in 1974, and was the first celebrity to have a police escort in the parade; this is the same year the Canton Police Department had to put an end to autograph seekers running into the street during the parade, as it had become a safety issue.

• A 1975 survey by the National Association of Convention Bureaus found the average visitor during Hall of Fame Festival week spent $35 a day on items such as lodging, transportation, food, amusements and miscellaneous.

• The first Festival pins and brochures were developed in 1977, the same year that some guests complained about cold ham and eggs served at the Mayor’s Breakfast … in 1978, breakfast was changed to continental style!

• Attracting the largest audience of the Friday events in 1979, the Fashion Show Luncheon boasted 2,700 people in attendance, and for the first time in 17 years, rain fell during the parade.

• The Facilities Committee was added to the Festival in 1980 . . . it has grown to 130 members in 2009 1980s and is now known as security and logistics. • Sue Parr became the first female general chairman in 1981, and Canton’s huge number of loyal Cleveland Browns’ fans were delighted to see the Browns defeat the Atlanta Falcons in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

• The parade was seen in over 1.3 million homes in 1982, and in 2000 it became and remains the only event with a title sponsor.

• The first Ribs Burnoff occurred in 1984, a one-day event held on Central Plaza, with 12 vendors, most of them cooking on tiny Hibachi grills, and an estimated attendance of 5,000.

• In 1985, Larry King brought his coast-to-coast radio talk show to the lobby of the Parke Hotel after the Enshrinees Civic Dinner, running from midnight to 5 a.m.

• The Balloon Classic was initiated in 1986, with 25 balloons; the 2012 version will boast 58. This was also the first year for the Volunteers Appreciation Party, with 500 to 600 people attending; the 2009 version anticipates 2,000 partygoers.

• The 1988 Festival commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This marked the first year that the Festival made a profit, and Chamber officials registered the Festival trademark, thus allowing only authorized merchants to sell memorabilia.

• Mr. T. enjoyed celebrity status at the 1989 Festival and said “I am unworthy to be at the events. I rank this as being invited to the White House. These inductees earned this moment, not me.” His requests were simple: no special meal, just a pizza. . .no air conditioning in his car. . .a white limousine for the first day, and a yellow cab on day two. • Fred Haupt, 1991 General Chairman, made a statement that still holds so true today: “It’s that person 1990s that counts the chairs at the Civic Center to make sure there are enough, the one who makes sure there are eight desserts at each table, those who pick up the celebrities and get them to the events on time, volunteers who make certain all the bands and floats are lined up as they should be in the parade and all of the other hundreds and thousands of assignments that make the festival go the way it should. It’s the total community commitment that makes it happen.”

• Ron Dougherty was the General Chairman of the wettest Hall of Fame Festival in memory – 1992. Torrential downpours created a deficit of $65,373, but the thousands and thousands of Festival participants were not to be deterred, even enjoying the annual fireworks display through a heavy downpour.

• Then-Governor George Voinovich pedaled an Ohio-manufactured Huffy bicycle down the parade route in 1993, the same year the General Chairman Alumni Association was born.

• The 75th anniversary of the NFL was celebrated during the 1994 Festival, the same year in which Janice Meyer announced her retirement, to be succeeded by Dennis P. Saunier as Festival Executive Director.

• A memorable occurrence in 1995 was the theft of O.J. Simpson’s bronze bust from the Hall of Fame; it was recovered the next day on the berm of I-77 in Cleveland. This year also marked the first time that the Canton Chamber of Commerce joined hands with the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce to merge the Balloon Classic Invitational and Food Fest, a fine relationship that continues today.

• Canton’s own Dan Dierdorf was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, and the Volunteer Appreciation Party was moved prior to the start of the Festival, to serve as a kick-off pep rally.

• In 1997, the Ribs Burnoff was expanded from two days to three days. “Today Show” weatherman Willard Scott co-hosted the Grand Parade. The AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game was held at the newly renovated and renamed Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium.

• The AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game was moved from the afternoon to Saturday night, to be featured in prime time on ABC-TV in 1998. The Canton and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce renewed their contract for five-years, to continue the partnership between the Balloon Classic Invitational and Food Fest.

• The year 1999 was huge for northeast Ohio, as the Cleveland Browns returned to the National Football League and were featured in the AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game against the Dallas Cowboys; a special bonus was the broadcast of the game on ABC-TV “Monday Night Football.” This was also the first year for a new event called the Browns-Cowboys GameDay Luncheon (the name was changed in 2003 to Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable). • For the first time in the Festival’s history, all (134) living Hall of Famers were invited by the NFL 2000s to return to Canton for the 2000 induction festivities; 111 returned. In September, Joanne Murray became the third Festival director in its history.

• The Hoover Company Grand Parade was broadcast for the first time in2001 on Fox Sports Net Ohio, bringing the parade to 4,208,382 additional households in nearly all of Ohio, and parts of Kentucky and .

• A special and emotional occurrence in 2002 was the naming of heroes from the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks to serve as Grand Marshals of the Hoover Company Grand Parade; they included firefighters Billy Butler, Sal D’Agostino and Mickey Meldrum from FDNY Ladder Co. 6, and Port Authority police officer David Lim.

• A more dynamic and compact schedule of events was the culmination of long-range planning sessions held in conjunction with the 2003 Festival, which marked the 40th anniversary of the Festival and the Hall of Fame. Changes included the elimination of the Mayor’s Breakfast, moving the Ribs Burnoff to the Stark County Fairgrounds on Thursday/Friday/Saturday, and featuring the Hall of Fame NFL Experience, and the Concert & Fireworks held as an independent event on the Sunday night before the game. For only the second time in history all (144) living Hall of Famers were invited by the NFL to return to Canton for the induction festivities; 116 returned. Another five- year extension was signed by the Canton and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce to continue the fine partnership between the Balloon Classic Invitational and Food Fest.

• Huge numbers of people enjoyed the 2004 Festival, in large part due to the notoriety and popularity of the Class of Enshrinees: Bob Brown, Carl Eller, John Elway, and Barry Sanders. The Fashion Show Luncheon showcased a platinum and diamond Tacori necklace featuring 50 carats of pave set diamonds, which was previously worn by Trista from The Bachelorette at her television wedding. The Hoover Grand Parade paid special tribute to football and military “Champions” to depict the 2004 Festival theme. Showcased were Colonel Ralph Heywood, the only former pro football player to serve his country in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and a special float recognizing the three Stark County members of the Armed Forces who were killed in Iraq.

• An economic impact survey was conducted during the 2005 Festival, only the second time in the Festival’s 42-year history; the first study was conducted in 1985. The survey revealed that the Festival has an economic impact of $26.7 million on Canton/Stark County and $48.4 million on the State of Ohio. These figures do not include the additional $7 million spent by locals during the 11-days of the Festival. A Kids’ Fun Run was added to the 2-Mile and 5-Mile Race event, and 140 colorful banners were hung on the greater downtown area street poles to promote the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival as “a one of a kind celebration.” • Schedule adjustments were made in 2006 to accommodate the AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game moving from its usual Monday night broadcast on ABC, to Sunday night on NBC’s “Sunday Night NFL Football.” The adjustment resulted in several Festival events being shifted to different days, and shortened the Festival from 11 days to ten. The Timken Company became the new title sponsor of the Grand Parade, and with six new Enshrinees, the total of football greats enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame increased to 235.

• A significant change to the 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival was the opportunity to move the Enshrinement from an afternoon time slot to 6 PM, allowing a prime time television audience. All living members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame were invited to return for the ceremony and surrounding festivities, and approximately 85 were present. A capacity crowd at the Enshrinees Dinner warmly welcomed Roger Goodell, new commissioner of the National Football League, who offered congratulations to the Enshrinees and the entire Canton/Stark County community for a job well done.

• With 2008 came the celebration of a significant milestone – the 45th anniversaries of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and its annual festival activities. In order to show a re-energized commitment to the festivities and to more clearly communicate that the Enshrinement of each new class of Hall of Famers is the central focus of the entire celebration, the festival name was enhanced to Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

• With the enshrinement of the 2009 Class, 253 football greats have been inducted into the Hall and have the privilege of wearing the gold jacket. We were proud to contribute to the Fawcett Stadium renovation, a venue that is critical to our premier national activities - the Enshrinement and NFL Hall of Fame Game. The 2009 Game featured the Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the AFL. There were many exciting highlights at all of the festivities, including Canton’s own Bluecoats taking first place for the first time in the 21-year history of the Drum Corps Competition. Staff and volunteers teamed up to support a “Go Green” initiative to renew awareness and commitment to being good stewards of our communities and the environment.

• In 2010, in order to effectively accommodate 18 diverse events over 11 days, several schedule enhancements have been made, the most significant of which is a change of date and site for the annual Concert & Fireworks. Previously staged at the Cultural Center on the same Saturday evening as the Enshrinement, the event will now be the kick-off event and is being held in the downtown Canton Cornerstone Square area. In order to assure the success of all events, the professional staffs and team of more than 4,200 extraordinary community volunteers have worked in a spirit of cooperation over the past year to plan what is sure to be a “One of a Kind Celebration”!

• In 2012, the 49th anniversary of this annual celebration began with the Queen Pageant in May, and the remaining 18 diverse events will be held between July 20 and August 6 for the enjoyment of nearly 700,000 people, with the Enshrinement as the central focus. This year, the Balloon Classic/Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks was moved one week earlier in order not to conflict with the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships being held in Longview, Texas, during the following week. A 19th event, the Friday Night Reception at the Hall of Fame, was added to the Festival schedule this year. The dedication of the Ralph Wilson, Jr. Pro Football Research & Education Center and the grand opening of the first phase of the expanded Pro Football Hall of Fame will take place during this year’s festivities. Both are part of the “Future 50” Expansion

TODAY & Renovation Project, which will be completed next year to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Enshrinement Festival. HOT AIR BALLOONING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

HOW DO HOT AIR BALLOONS WORK? Hot air rises. The balloon envelope traps a large amount of air. If the air in the envelope is heated by a burner, the balloon will rise. If the air in the envelope is allowed to cool, or to escape, the balloon will de- scend. The balloon pilot uses instruments mounted in the basket to control how hot the air in the balloon is, how fast the balloon will rise or descend and how high the balloon will fly. WHAT ARE BALLOONS MADE OF? The most visible part of the balloon is the envelope, which is made of light, yet strong, nylon fabric. Nylon webbing helps to make the envelope stronger. The basket (also called the gondola) is made of a strong, flexible woven wicker material and is attached to the envelope with steel cables. The instrument panel and an upright position. With a small amount of addition- fuel tanks are located inside the gondola. al heat, the balloon will fly. Balloons require a mini- mum of three crewmembers and a pilot to get into HOW BIG ARE HOT AIR BALLOONS? the air. Most balloon crews are much larger than that. While balloons will vary in size and shape, most sport Each person on the crew has different responsibilities balloons (like many of those flying at this event) are from preparing for launch, to following the balloon in about 50 feet wide (diameter) and roughly 70 feet a chase vehicle, to seeking permission from landown- high. Many balloons are about as tall as a seven- ers to land at the end of the flight. story building! Most balloons have an air capacity of around 70,000 cubic feet of air. Most sport balloons HOW MUCH DO THE BALLOONS WEIGH? can carry 3 to 4 people. Generally, special shape bal- A typical balloon system including the envelope, loons are much larger and have a much greater air gondola, fuel tanks with fuel, will weigh about 500 capacity. pounds when it is deflated on the ground. In the air, the complete system including the air inside the en- HOW ARE HOT AIR BALLOONS INFLATED AND velope will weigh about 2.5 tons! HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE? Getting a hot air balloon into the air takes about 20 WHAT KIND OF FUEL DO THE BALLOONS USE? minutes. The envelope is spread out on the ground Liquid propane is used to heat hot air balloons. Fuel is and the gondola is laid on its side and attached to the carried in stainless steel tanks located in the balloon envelope. A portable fan pushes cold air into the en- gondola. Fuel is delivered to the balloon burners, velope. When the envelope is about half inflated with which shoot six to eight foot flames into the enve- air, a propane burner is ignited until the air inside the lope. A typical balloon flight, lasting 1.5 hours will use envelope is heated enough for the balloon to rise to approximately 22 gallons of propane. HOT AIR BALLOONING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ...CONTINUED

WHAT IS A TYPICAL FLIGHT LIKE? WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO FLY? Most hot air balloons can stay aloft for one to two Hot air ballooning is a year-round sport. Weather hours, depending on the weather conditions and conditions for ballooning are just after sunrise and the weight being carried in the gondola. Some two to three hours before sunset. Light, ideal wind flights can last as long as three to four hours. Gen- conditions (0-8 miles per hour) often occur during erally speaking, pilots are not able to steer hot air these times. During the day, when the sun is high, balloons. A balloon drifts in the same direction and thermals (large bubbles of hot air that rise from the speed of wind. earth) make ballooning unpredictable and hazard- ous. However, because winds blow in different directions at different altitude, pilots can “steer” balloons by HOW HIGH DO BALLOONS GO? selecting different altitudes. Altitude changes are Sport ballooning is most enjoyable when flying at achieved through longer and shorter burns from 200 to 500 feet, just above the treetops. However, propane burners. Pilots can, however, study wind when flying over residential areas, balloons are re- currents to determine the general direction the bal- quired to maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet. Some loon will fly. flights in hot air balloons have been recorded at over 50,000 feet! When a balloon is launched, the crew follows the balloon in a chase vehicle and meets the balloon HOW MUCH DOES A BALLOON COST? where it lands. The crew helps the pilot deflate, dis- The average balloon costs from $12,000 to over assemble and pack the balloon equipment. $25,000. This price includes the envelope, gondola, fuel tanks, and instruments. CAN ANYONE PILOT A BALLOON? Balloon pilots must have an aircraft pilot’s license, especially for balloons. The license is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is earned after taking hours of instruction with a balloon pi- lot instructor, passing an FAA written test, making a solo flight, and passing a test flight with an FAA examiner. All pilots flying in this event are licensed by the FAA. BALLOON CLASSIC 26 YEARS OF HISTORY

THE FORMATIVE YEARS… One of the public’s most popular Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events over the years has been the Balloon Classic. Initiated in 1986 at the urging of Maury Sullivan (who currently serves as “Balloonmeister”) and with the encouragement and help of his business partner, Tom Schervish, who was the Festival’s General Vice-Chairman at the time, the “Balloon Fiesta” has grown to levels well beyond those ever imagined possible during its formative years.

When then-Festival Executive Director Janice Meyer was initially approached by Tom and Maury, she recognized that the Festival, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, certainly already had its hands full running a full week of activities with limited staff, plus the fact that the Ribs Burnoff had just been added to the schedule the year before. However, City of Canton and Festival leadership saw the need to maintain a balance between ticketed events and those that would be free, available to the entire community, and self- supporting. Tom and Maury were ecstatic when they learned late in 1985 that the “Balloon Fiesta” would be an officially sponsored Festival event in 1986. Icing on the cake was the announced theme for the 1986 Festival, “Sky’s the Limit.”

The pressure was now on and a committee was quickly formed and charged with the responsibility of finding a suitable venue, securing pilots and accommodations, and the necessary corporate support to allow the event to be free to the public. The really big question at the time was how the Festival could manage three major indoor events, the Enshrinement, and the Game, all at the same time as the balloon activities would be taking place. The answer was the establishment of a strong committee that included Beth Davidson, Doug West, George and Nancy Green, Bob and Joan Leslie, Steve Dale, Bob and Diane Ackerman, John Belden, Bev Spies, Anne Fritz, Dave Lee, Jane Clark, and Bill and Marianne Black. This group of dedicated individuals did what is now done with a committee of 45 and hundreds of volunteers.

Weis Park was selected as the launch site and primary venue, and several generous primary sponsors stepped forward, along with many local companies that each paid $500 to sponsor a balloon.

THE GROWTH YEARS… The “Balloon Fiesta” was extremely successful in its early years, attracting 25 pilots in its very first year. By 1988, the event had grown to 40 balloons and was renamed the “Balloon Classic” due to pressure brought on by the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta which had trademarked the term “Fiesta.” By 1989, the Festival’s Steering Com- mittee recognized that the growth and popularity of the Balloon Classic might require a change in the timing of the event. Enshrinees, NFL team owners and guests heading down Market Avenue to the Enshrinees Civic Dinner on Friday evening were delayed by incredible traffic jams with thousands of cars and people streaming into Weis Park. In order to alleviate this traffic congestion and more evenly spread out the week’s activities, the Balloon Classic was moved to kickoff weekend in 1990.

Weis Park had now been rediscovered by Canton’s populace. It was a hub of activity, and over the years, the park’s facilities were expanded to include additional tennis, volleyball, and bocce ball courts. By 1991, the Bal- loon Classic was out of space to safely launch the hot air balloons from that area. Kent State University-Stark Campus and Stark Tech (now known as Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College) generously offered their combined facilities to house the event in 1991, and 42 balloons participated. The new facilities allowed for the event to grow, and in 1992, a total of 50 balloons raced for the championship.

The “Balloon Luminary” was an added feature to the event in 1993, has proved to be a real crowd pleaser each year since, and is now known as the Night Glow. The beauty of this event has been captured many times throughout the years with entries in the Festival’s annual photo contest.

A further milestone was marked in 1995 when the Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks came under the umbrella of the Festival and joined forces with the Balloon Classic. Continuing to grow in stature each year, the Balloon Classic reached a record number of participants in 1997 with 62 pilots from 12 states participating, and even a pilot from Hokkaido, Japan. This large increase in pilots also necessitated another change in our format. Team format competitive racing created even more excitement for the pilots and the spectators, but more importantly, it provided much needed launch field space necessitated by the increasing number of pilots desiring to attend our great event. We have followed the team format since its introduc- tion in 1997.

The ‘Dawn Patrol’ was added to the Balloon Classic in 2008 and had a perfect start with five balloons launching into the pre- dawn sky providing a beautiful sky luminary for Stark County’s early risers.

Over the years, we have been blessed with a dedicated staff at the Festival department, as well as great volunteer leadership provided by individuals willing to give of their time and talents to make the Balloon Classic the huge success that it is. Here is a list of the Balloon Classic Chairmen and Competition Directors since its inception:

Balloon Classic Chairmen: 2005 - 2006 Debbie Horn 1986 - 1988 Maury Sullivan 2007 – 2008 Doug Froelich 1989 - 1990 Beth Davidson 2009 – 2010 Steve Fricke 1991 - 1992 Dick Krueger 2011 – 2012 Scott Sanders 1993 - 1994 Doug West 1995 - 1996 Herb Rosengard Balloon Competition Directors: 1997 - 1998 Bob McFarlane 1986 – 1990 Maury Sullivan 1999 - 2000 John Pizzino 1991 – 1993 Beth Davidson 2001 - 2002 Gene Thorn 1994 – 1996 Steve Dale 2003 - 2004 Ken Huot 1997 – 2012 Maury Sullivan

THE FUTURE… Growing our event just for the sake of growth has never been a priority, but as we look to the future, we will continue to ex- plore growth potential. As with all Enshrinement Festival events, the goal is always the same – to enhance the overall success of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in order to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of each year’s class of Enshrinees.

We hope you enjoy this stroll down memory lane over the past 25 years of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic and our more recent partnership with the Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce and their Jackson-Belden Food Fest and Fireworks. Thanks for your past and future support. 2012 DRUM CORPS COMPETITORS

In 2001, a group of corps fans decided that Arizona needed a drum and bugle corps, giving birth to what was to eventually be named The Academy (Tempe, Ariz). For its first three seasons, the corps had less than sixty members. In 2005, a guard was added and the corps grew to 130 members. This growth resulted in the corps’ first national tour in 2006, where the group won the Drum Corps International Division II Championship. In 2007, the corps moved to Division I status, taking the next big step in its rapid competitive development. Read More: http://bit.ly/dciacademy

The Bluecoats (Canton, Ohio) organization was founded in 1972 as an outreach program of the Canton Ohio Police Boys’ Club. The corps’ name was then chosen to serve as a tribute to the city’s retired police officers. Making their competitive drum corps debut in 1974, the corps has historically been known for incorporating jazz and swing music into its programs. Fans traditionally welcome the corps to the field with a signature cheer of “BLOO!” The corps has finished as a DCI World Championship finalist every year since 2000, winning its first medal ever in 2010 with a third place finish. In 2009, they won the Enshrinement Festival show for the first time in 21 years, and took top prize again in 2010.Read More: http://bit.ly/dcibluecoats

Founded as a parade corps in 1958, Blue Knights (Denver, Colo.) has been a Drum Corps International World Championship finalist many times. The corps is known for its often dark-sounding musical programs and strong use of body movement in their visual offerings. The Blue Knights organization also offers a winter brass ensemble that performs throughout the Denver area, two competitive indoor marching percussion ensembles, and “Stampede,” the official drum line of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Read More: http://bit.ly/dciblueknights

Boston Crusaders (Boston, Mass.) was founded in 1940 and is the third-oldest drum and bugle corps in the . Originally named Most Precious Blood Crusaders, the corps has been a Drum Corps International World Championship finalist every year since 1999. For many years, the corps ended each year’s show with “Conquest” (from the film, “Captain from Castile”) and since has hidden snippets of this signature melody in their musical program. Read More: http://bit.ly/dcibostoncrusaders

The Cadets (Allentown, Pa.), originally named the Holy Name Cadets when founded in 1934, is the oldest continually operating Division I group in Drum Corps International. The corps is known for pushing the artistic envelope of innovation and has won nine World Championships since 1983, becoming the first corps to win three consecutive titles in 1985. The Cadets have performed at a wide variety of highly public, non-drum corps events, including the Statue of Liberty rededication in 1986 and the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. Read more: http://bit.ly/dcicadets

Pacific Crest (Diamond Bar, Calif.) was created in 1993 and marched only 33 members their first season. The corps continued to grow throughout the next ten years, and in 2003 they took their first extended tour to DCI World Championships. This tour allowed first-time viewers of the corps to witness the group’s presence in Division I Semifinals, a feat that caught many other corps by surprise. At four weeks long, the corps’ 2007 tour is the longest in corps history. Read more: http://bit.ly/dcipacificcrest

Phantom Regiment (Rockford, Ill.) was originally founded in 1956 as the Rockford Rangers, but the corps’ name was quickly changed after staff members heard the popular Leroy Anderson song, “The Phantom Regiment”. The corps has been a Drum Corps International World Championship Division I finalist every year since 1974 and the group earned its first World Championship in 1996. Read more: http://bit.ly/dciphantom

In 1953, The Thunderbolt was created in Cedarburg, a suburb of Milwaukee. In 1961, a Milwaukee parish founded the Imperials of St. Patrick, known for its Irish heritage. Those two corps merged in 1973 to form The Thing; so identified as the corps lacked a sponsor and new name. Their current name, Pioneer (Milwaukee, Wis.), was adopted in 1974 to honor a major sponsor. Pioneer won the DCI Division III World Championship in 1991, and then moved to Division II status, winning that World Championship in 1994 and 1995. The group then advanced to Division I competition in 1997 and is best known for its Irish music and themes. Read more: http://bit.ly/dcipioneer