A backyard party can only be so large in scope, but when Albany hosts the Wah Chang Northwest Art and Air Festival they reach for the sky.

"The best festival in your backyard" is a family-friendly event that offers a plethora of activities, a great opportunity for late summer "staycationers."

2009 marks the festival's tenth anniversary and will be held from August 28-30 at the Timber Linn Memorial Park and Albany Municipal Airport.

According to event coordinator Joy Gilliland, the festival has been a steady success for the community over the years.

Over 40,000 attended last year, she said, adding that “with this economy, we hope to get that many and more this year."

Wah Chang is the title sponsor, but Gilliland said there are over 50 others, mostly local.

“I’m excited that we’re heading into our 10th year,” Gilliland said, “because we’ve got some great things going on here for the public.”

Such 'things' include food amenities such as a wine and microbrew garden and food booths “with a wide range of offerings from elephant ears to the traditional hamburgers and hot dogs,” Gilliland said.

Approximately 70 art booths presenting juried fine art from photography to jewelry, pottery and glass are available. A Children’s’ Village is also set up which includes a maze and art exhibits, and an artists' demonstration area that allows artisans to show the public how to create works of art in various media.

Gilliland said hot air balloon lift-offs begin at 6:30 each morning of the event and are a particular crowd favorite. Those who want to take a ride on a balloon — for a fee — should call Kathy Bradford at the Albany Visitors Association at 541-928-0911.

“The flights last about 30 to 45 minutes each and take you over some really scenic areas,” Gilliland said. She added that about 35 hot air balloons take part in the three days of flights.

A “Night Glow” event on August 28 features a laser light show and concert, with lighted, anchored balloons as a colorful backdrop.

The other part of the “air” portion of the festival is the Young Eagles flights offered by the program’s local pilots, who give free plane rides for children ages 8 through 17. Reliant plane and Leading Edge helicopter rides are also available for a fee at the Albany Municipal Airport.

On the 28th and 29th, bluesman Curtis Salgado and rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival will perform at the festival's park location.

Two car shows round out the event on August 29 and 30. The classic version begins at 8 a.m. on the 29th, with a Corvair Car show to be held the following day, also starting at 8 a.m.

For more information, visit www.cityofalbany.net/parks/nwaaf or contact Gilliland at 541-917-7772.