MONROE — This past weekend, ARC-Green County held the first Balloon & Blues event three years after the disruption of COVID-19. Monroe got to see the shining lights and funky music take the stage once again. 

“It feels really good to be back,” said Lee Blum, a sound technician.

After three years away, it seemes like things are starting to feel ‘normal’ again. Hundreds of spectators — families, couples, and kids — were pulled every which way as soon as they stepped onto the fairgrounds. 

“There is plenty to do,” Nick Faessler, the event coordinator said. 

Flights occurred Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening. The night glow took place both nights as well, with hundreds of families cheering the spectacle and coming close to the grounded balloons for pictures, to see the balloons up close, and to talk to the crews. 

“It is really special to see them [balloons] again,” said Josh Masson, a spectator. 

Many children laughed and smiled at the patterned balloons flying up into the sky, waving up to the pilots with smiling faces. 

During the day, children walked around with candy and balloon animals from small carnival games, while others inspected the vintage cars brought by locals, but as soon as the music started, spectators crowded around to get a close look at the shining stars. The tents were full of people seeking shelter from the sun, and those who were eager to dance to the blues. 

Across from the music and car show, young farmers proudly showed off their cattle and received prizes with the special appearance of the 2023-24 Dairy Princesses. 

“It was nice to see everyone enjoying each other’s company,” said Anglea Burkland, a spectator. 

As the day came to an end, families carried sleeping children off the fairgrounds, while others talked with their friends and the crew.