The purpose of the annual event is to bring positive attention to the City of Middletown while including non-profit organizations in a way that they may add to their own treasuries. The U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships were held in Middletown 1992-1993-1994. The community asked that continuing balloon events be held in Middletown. The Ohio Challenge is in response to that interest and centers around a significant hot air balloon competition which draws many of the best pilots in the country.