MONROE - For Father's Day, there will be balloons in Monroe.
Matt Urban confirmed in a news release Friday that the Monroe Balloon Rally 2009 will be held Friday and Saturday, June 19-21, at the Green County Fairgrounds. That's Father's Day weekend.
"The balloons are definitely returning," Urban said.
The 24th annual rally was grounded last month by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has lost money sponsoring recent events. That's when Urban, the former Chamber director, stepped forward. In an interview Feb. 13, Urban announced the Monroe Balloon Rally was taking shape as its own association.
Urban said pilots are confirming their attendance and being partnered with community organizations. He said he'll be releasing more details on the rally "very shortly."
The Chamber board voted Feb. 4 not to hold this year's rally. Treasurer Tom Purdy made the motion, "regretfully." The final voice vote was 8-1, with only Barb Gelbach voting against.
The board had discussed the shortage of sponsorship, volunteers and expertise in the community to pull off the nearly $28,000 event. Purdy explained the expenses, which had been pared from the $33,000 budget in 2008, still came up short of financial commitments by $4,900.
MCCI President Jane Monahan said the rally had not seen a profit in five years, and has struggled in the past two years to have enough volunteers to help.
Past President Bryan Rach noted the Chamber's own operating budget could not bear the loss. Purdy verified that fact, stating that if the Chamber lost any money on the rally, it would have to close its doors.
Matt Urban confirmed in a news release Friday that the Monroe Balloon Rally 2009 will be held Friday and Saturday, June 19-21, at the Green County Fairgrounds. That's Father's Day weekend.
"The balloons are definitely returning," Urban said.
The 24th annual rally was grounded last month by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has lost money sponsoring recent events. That's when Urban, the former Chamber director, stepped forward. In an interview Feb. 13, Urban announced the Monroe Balloon Rally was taking shape as its own association.
Urban said pilots are confirming their attendance and being partnered with community organizations. He said he'll be releasing more details on the rally "very shortly."
The Chamber board voted Feb. 4 not to hold this year's rally. Treasurer Tom Purdy made the motion, "regretfully." The final voice vote was 8-1, with only Barb Gelbach voting against.
The board had discussed the shortage of sponsorship, volunteers and expertise in the community to pull off the nearly $28,000 event. Purdy explained the expenses, which had been pared from the $33,000 budget in 2008, still came up short of financial commitments by $4,900.
MCCI President Jane Monahan said the rally had not seen a profit in five years, and has struggled in the past two years to have enough volunteers to help.
Past President Bryan Rach noted the Chamber's own operating budget could not bear the loss. Purdy verified that fact, stating that if the Chamber lost any money on the rally, it would have to close its doors.