Schedule of events for the event
THE GREAT BALLOON RACE 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Lake Storey Park (soccer fields - just west of baseball fields), Galesburg, IL
Friday, July 24th
3:00 PM until the beginning of the night glow - Food vendors will be set up and selling food by the shelter of the launch field. Kids games and events. Event T-shirts and raffle tickets available for purchase.
6:00 PM - Mass ascension of the balloons, weather permitting.
Dusk - Balloon night glow, weather permitting.
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. Gigantic kites will also be flying and children’s crafts and games will be available. Parachute races for kids will be available. Event T-shirts and raffle tickets 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 a “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.
Tickets for sale $5.00 each for a chance to win a ******************.
Dusk - Balloon night glow, weather permitting.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE, WEATHER PERMITTING AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!!