MONROE - Balloon enthusiast Matt Urban says there is something unique about hot air balloons.
"Their color and their simplicity attracts people," Urban said.
People at the Green County Fairgrounds and across Monroe will be able to stare into the sky and see the multi-colored hot-air balloons flying majestically over the community this weekend during the 24th annual Monroe Balloon Festival.
The festival begins at 4 p.m. Friday when the fairground gates open to the public. The event continues through Sunday. There's no cost for admission but there is a $3 charge for people who want to park their cars inside the fairgrounds.
Urban, who used to be director of the Monroe Chamber and Commerce and Industry (MCCI) helped organize the festival after the MCCI decided in February that costs were too great to hold the festival. Urban worked with several businesses and volunteer organization to make the balloon rally possible this year.
"We had a lot of community partners come forward," Urban said. Groups that weren't involved with the rally in the past have come forward to be part of it this year, he added.
There will be 16 balloons for people to view at the festival and a variety of activities they can take part in throughout the weekend.
The Junior Flight School is always a popular attraction, Urban said.
"Kids and parents can learn about how pilots can launch a balloon and stop a balloon and how to fly a balloon," Urban said.
In addition, kids get to answer questions in their "flight log" book and talk to the pilots. There is also a paper airplane launch on Friday. Children can also launch their own mini balloons, which they design and make themselves.
At 6 p.m. Friday, weather permitting, the balloons take to the sky. The balloon glow is at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Throughout the weekend there is an arts and crafts fair, food stands and music from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday is music performed by "The Jimmy's," "The Midwesterners" and "Mattom Pipestorm."
More information about the balloon rally is available at www.monroeballoonrally.com.
"Their color and their simplicity attracts people," Urban said.
People at the Green County Fairgrounds and across Monroe will be able to stare into the sky and see the multi-colored hot-air balloons flying majestically over the community this weekend during the 24th annual Monroe Balloon Festival.
The festival begins at 4 p.m. Friday when the fairground gates open to the public. The event continues through Sunday. There's no cost for admission but there is a $3 charge for people who want to park their cars inside the fairgrounds.
Urban, who used to be director of the Monroe Chamber and Commerce and Industry (MCCI) helped organize the festival after the MCCI decided in February that costs were too great to hold the festival. Urban worked with several businesses and volunteer organization to make the balloon rally possible this year.
"We had a lot of community partners come forward," Urban said. Groups that weren't involved with the rally in the past have come forward to be part of it this year, he added.
There will be 16 balloons for people to view at the festival and a variety of activities they can take part in throughout the weekend.
The Junior Flight School is always a popular attraction, Urban said.
"Kids and parents can learn about how pilots can launch a balloon and stop a balloon and how to fly a balloon," Urban said.
In addition, kids get to answer questions in their "flight log" book and talk to the pilots. There is also a paper airplane launch on Friday. Children can also launch their own mini balloons, which they design and make themselves.
At 6 p.m. Friday, weather permitting, the balloons take to the sky. The balloon glow is at 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Throughout the weekend there is an arts and crafts fair, food stands and music from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday is music performed by "The Jimmy's," "The Midwesterners" and "Mattom Pipestorm."
More information about the balloon rally is available at www.monroeballoonrally.com.