The 38th annual Macomb Balloon Rally will fill the skies with vibrant colors Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5-6, at Western Illinois University’s Vince Grady Field and various launch sites around the city.
Twenty hot air balloon pilots from across the Midwest are invited to participate in this year’s rally, which celebrates a festive Mariachi theme.
The event opens Friday with a mass ascension at approximately 6 p.m. from Vince Grady Field. Before liftoff, WIU’s Jazz Studio Orchestra will perform from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at the field.
Saturday’s activities begin early at 6:45 a.m. with a flight launching from multiple city locations. Pilots will aim for targets set up on Vince Grady Field. A second flight will take off around 6 p.m., again from various launch points.
At dusk, about 7:30 p.m., the balloons will return to Vince Grady Field for the popular balloon glow event, featuring a performance by local band The House Cats.
Annual Gazebo Art Festival Also on Saturday, the 54th Annual Gazebo Art Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chandler Park, Macomb. The festival features 28 artists showcasing diverse media including metalwork, painting, glass, fiber, woodworking, fine art prints, zen gardens, ceramics, jewelry, and photography. Food will be provided by the High School FFA.
Family-friendly activities at the festival include the Quesal Puppet Show at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., a Community Clay Sculpture hosted by the Macomb Park District, face painting, a watercolor activity for kids, and decorating an Art House Doll House.
Throughout the weekend, food trucks and vendors will offer a variety of eats and goods on Vince Grady Field. The rally’s merchandise tent will sell event t-shirts and souvenirs, along with free flyers featuring photos of each balloon.
All events depend on weather conditions. Flight status updates will be posted on the Macomb Balloon Rally Facebook page.
