Albuquerque, watch out! The Overland Park Great Midwest Balloon Fest is going to new heights.

From Sept. 17 to 19, about 35 balloonists, many from outside metropolitan Kansas City, will compete and show off their balloons at 167th and Antioch, in a farm field east of Blue Valley West High School and west of U.S. 69 Highway.

The event is a fund-raiser for the American Stroke Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, and Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.

The city of Overland Park is one of the corporate sponsors.

This is the first year for this event, which is expected to attract thousands. Admission is free; but parking is $5 a car.

Activities include balloon glows on Friday and Saturday nights (Sept. 17-18), with competition on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Balloonists will not be offering rides during the event.

There will be food booths, craft vendors, entertainment, a kids' zone and more.

For more information about parking, event times and more, visit the Web site of greatmidwestballoonfest.org.