By LEE HINNANT

The hot-air balloon gathering and N.C. Strawberry Festival have attracted regional attention and have been named as a “Top 20” event for 2006 by the Southeast Tourism Society, an 11-state association.

The recognition is big news for tourism in Columbus County and puts the May 6-7 event in a league with the Biltmore Estate Festival of Flowers, Wilmington’s Azalea Festival and the American Dance Festival in Durham.

“From a tourism standpoint, these balloons give us a chance to promote ourselves regionally and bring people in to Columbus County,” said county Tourism Director Jennifer Long. “I believe we will tap into the Wilmington and Myrtle Beach markets.”

Last year, volunteers arranged to have five hot-air balloons and their pilots at the Strawberry Festival. This season, there will be at least twice as many, said organizer Andy Hammond.

“It was so successful it’s taken on its own legs,” Long said. Another participant should garner significant attention. Energizer has promised to bring its Energizer Bunny balloon, the largest balloon in the United States. “It’s 15 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty – 12 stories high,” Hammond said. Mayflower Van Lines also plans to bring its corporate balloon.

Long said pilots will take customers on flights Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning, weather permitting. Much less expensive short, tethered flights will be available during the festival on Saturday if winds are calm.

Hammond said balloonists would “glow” their envelopes Saturday evening as backdrop for a street dance with at least one live band. “It’ll be a really pretty sight,” Hammond said.

The balloons will be based at the eight-acre field off Brown Street near the Food Lion Shopping Center.

Hammond said that reservations for flights are going fast and those who are sure they want to fly should call him at 640-7760.

Crystal Beers is president of the festival this year.