Macomb, IL – Early each fall, colorful (and colorfully named) hot air balloons take to the skies over Macomb. This year was no exception as the city hosted the 21st Annual Macomb Balloon Rally.
29 pilots from around the Midwest participated. They drew large crowds to Vince Grady Field on the Western Illinois University campus. The event was capped off with the popular Saturday night Balloon Glow. Spectators began lining up hours before the glow began. The balloons lit up the field from dusk to about 9:00 pm.
Perhaps the most recognizable balloon is Ca-Zoo-Ee. Its main feature is a large black and white zebra head with ears pointed up and adoring big blue eyes (see the photo).
Ca-Zoo-Ee's pilot is Dean Carlton of Danville. He enjoys interacting with the people who visit the Macomb rally and says this year's crowds were huge.
Some of the other balloons on display over the weekend were Mom's Toyz (piloted by Debra Griest of Urbana), Good Greeph! (piloted by Bob Green of Lincoln), and Old Glory (piloted by Jim Gualdoni of St Louis).
Reporter Alex Heuer talked to Carlton and some of the spectators who visited the balloon rally. You can listen to his feature by clicking on the audio button.