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Macomb, IL – Look to the skies over Macomb this weekend. Hot air balloons from around the Midwest will be descending on the city for the 24th Annual Macomb Balloon Rally.
The theme is Balloons Over Oz - There's No Place Like Macomb! Steering committee member Jodi Pospeschil said the weighted items the pilots toss at targets during competitive flights will be made to look like characters from the Wizard of Oz.
She also said this year's logo ties in to the Wizard of Oz.
"The logo is based on a painting an artist friend of mine did that he merged with a photograph I took two years ago at the balloon rally," Pospeschil said.
The rally will feature 27 balloons, which is roughly the same as in years past.
"Generally around 30 is what's best for the field," said Pospeschil. "We can't get too many more than that or there's no room for them to set up. It's just a better grouping for the balloon glow and flights."
The 2010 Macomb Balloon Rally will begin Friday, September 10, with a mass ascension of balloons from Vince Grady Field at Western Illinois University at 6:00pm.
The following day, pilots are scheduled to fly over the field at 6:45am.
There will be a balloon flight in to the field at 6:00pm Saturday. The balloon glow will begin around 7:30pm.
"It (the balloon glow) draws the biggest crowd," Pospeschil said. "We think it's unique because people can walk between the balloons and visit with the pilots. Some of the pilots have trading cards that they hand out.
"It's a chance for people to get close to the balloons and talk to the pilots about what they do. We hope it generates a lot more interest in the rally."
There will be live music at the field both nights. The WIU Jazz Studio Orchestra is scheduled to begin performing Friday at 5:30pm. The Beck Brothers will perform Saturday beginning at 6:30pm.
All of the events are free and open to the public.