A FREE Hot Air Balloon event in Galesburg, IL.
Hot Air Balloons, Vendors, Kids Activities

Saturday, July 25th
5:30 AM Pilot briefing on the field at Lake Storey
6:00 AM - Balloon Launch - The balloons will launch from an undetermined location and fly into the launch field at Lake Storey to try and throw a beanbag at the target(s) located there.
3:00 PM until the beginning of the night glow - Food vendors will be set up and selling items from food by the shelter of the launch field.
5-8 Kids activities! Event T-shirts and raffle tickets are available for purchase.
6:00 PM - Mass ascension of the balloons, weather permitting.
After the flight and before the Night Glow - Golf Ball Drop-tethered balloon over launch field with an “X” on the field and golf balls are numbered. Selling Golf Balls for $5.00 each, and whatever # gets closest to the center of the X when dropped out of the basket wins the 50/50 raffle. Tickets are for sale on Friday and Saturday.
Dusk - Balloon night glow, weather permitting.

This year’s vendor lineup has something for everyone — fair favorites, local treats, family fun, and plenty of items for the kids.

Returning Favorites:
Smiley Concessions
Meadows Concessions
C & C Kettle Corn
Doyle’s
Shawdaddy’s
Henn House BBQ
OSF HealthCare Cooling Tent
We are grateful to OSF HealthCare for providing a cooling tent at this year’s Great Balloon Race. Their support gives our guests a place to take a break, cool off, and enjoy the event safely.
New this year:
Taquería Jalisco
The Gilded Antler
Centennial Blooms Flower Farm & Eatery
Big Blue Shaved Ice
Oh My Beads!
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, WEATHER PERMITTING, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!!