MONROE - Get ready for two days of color in the sky, fire on the ground and a lineup on the stage during the Monroe Balloon and Blues Festival scheduled for June 15-16 at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe.
Color in the sky
Hot air balloons go up around 6 p.m. Friday and at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Flight patterns follow the prevailing winds over Green County's countryside - where the rolling hills are home to more cows than people. When the propane runs low, pilots keep an eye out for open fields to land, providing a spectacle for the onlookers and photographers.
Fire on the ground
Always a favorite crowd pleaser, "balloon glows" will be held at dusk Friday and Saturday. The pilots tether their balloons and fire up the propane. Hot colors run hotter, the dark sky is brighter and the stage starts smoking.
Blues lineup
Local bluesman Jimmy Voegeli of The Jimmys put together a powerhouse lineup of top-notch talent from a throwback to classic Chicago blues with the Cash Box Kings to the fresh young talent of Stackhouse frontman and guitar sensation Xavi Lynn.
On Friday, the Madtown Mannish Boys will play at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Alex Wilson Band at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Stackhouse will begin the shows at 2:30 p.m., followed by The Jimmys at 4:30 p.m., the Cash Box Kings at 6:30 p.m. and Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal will end the night at 8:30 p.m.
Plan your visit
Admission to the Green County Fairgrounds, 2600 10th St., is free, with parking onsite for a nominal fee. Street parking is available around the fairgrounds. Food stands and plenty of cool brews are onsite.
For information on lodging in the Monroe and Green County area, go to www.greencounty.org. Call 888-222-9111 for a visitor guide and map. For the latest schedule of weekend events, including a car show, helicopter rides and fun for kids, go to www.monroeballoonrally.com and follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balloonrally.
Monroe Balloon and Blues is presented by The Arc of Green County, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with disabilities by enhancing educational opportunities, independent living, social experiences and general enjoyment of life.
Color in the sky
Hot air balloons go up around 6 p.m. Friday and at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Flight patterns follow the prevailing winds over Green County's countryside - where the rolling hills are home to more cows than people. When the propane runs low, pilots keep an eye out for open fields to land, providing a spectacle for the onlookers and photographers.
Fire on the ground
Always a favorite crowd pleaser, "balloon glows" will be held at dusk Friday and Saturday. The pilots tether their balloons and fire up the propane. Hot colors run hotter, the dark sky is brighter and the stage starts smoking.
Blues lineup
Local bluesman Jimmy Voegeli of The Jimmys put together a powerhouse lineup of top-notch talent from a throwback to classic Chicago blues with the Cash Box Kings to the fresh young talent of Stackhouse frontman and guitar sensation Xavi Lynn.
On Friday, the Madtown Mannish Boys will play at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Alex Wilson Band at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Stackhouse will begin the shows at 2:30 p.m., followed by The Jimmys at 4:30 p.m., the Cash Box Kings at 6:30 p.m. and Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal will end the night at 8:30 p.m.
Plan your visit
Admission to the Green County Fairgrounds, 2600 10th St., is free, with parking onsite for a nominal fee. Street parking is available around the fairgrounds. Food stands and plenty of cool brews are onsite.
For information on lodging in the Monroe and Green County area, go to www.greencounty.org. Call 888-222-9111 for a visitor guide and map. For the latest schedule of weekend events, including a car show, helicopter rides and fun for kids, go to www.monroeballoonrally.com and follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balloonrally.
Monroe Balloon and Blues is presented by The Arc of Green County, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with disabilities by enhancing educational opportunities, independent living, social experiences and general enjoyment of life.