Of all the amazing festivals in Magnolia State, the Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest is one of the most anticipated. For over 30 years, the festival has been attracting huge crowds, offering fun for people of all ages. This is one event that should definitely be on your summer bucket list. Take a look:

Held in Canton, the Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest is scheduled for June 29th – July 2nd, 2017.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
Since the festival will take place over 4th of July weekend, it's a great way to celebrate the holiday.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
Now in its 32nd year, the event is put on by Canton Tourism, the city of Canton, the city of Ridgeland, the Mid-Mississippi Balloon Association, and The Good Samaritan Center.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
The three-day-long event includes dozens of balloons...
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
...as well as balloon races, two balloon glows, two firework shows, children’s activities, food, and live entertainment.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
The fun begins on Thursday, June 29th, with a Launch Party on Canton’s Historic Square.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
On Friday, June 30th, the fun continues with a Balloon Glow and the first of two fireworks shows.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
The fireworks display will be held at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland.

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The following day, Saturday, July 1st, head on over to the Canton Multi-Purpose Center, where you can take part in the Balloon Chase.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
Perfect for all ages and skill levels, participants can take part in a bike ride, 4-mile run, 2-mile walk, or 1-mile "fun run." No matter which you choose, balloons will be flying overhead.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
Take part in the event and you'll get a t-shirt and race medal.
The fun at the multi-purpose center continues throughout the night with the Canton Balloon Glow and Patriotic Fireworks Spectacular.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
Over the course of the festival, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get up close views of the balloons.
Jan Bengten/Flickr
You can even go for a ride in one.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
Be sure to spend some time walking around Canton's Historic Courthouse Square.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook
You'll find plenty of food vendors, selling everything from funnel cakes to barbecue.
Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest/Facebook

Click here for more information on the festival.

Looking for more must-visit Mississippi festivals? Click here.

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