Today's Schedule
5 a.m.: Gates open to public (free admission; walk-ins welcome; parking inside the grounds, $3
6 a.m.: Balloon launch
6-11 a.m.: Koning Pancake Breakfast
9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Arts and Crafts Fair
11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Classic Car Exhibit
Noon-6 p.m.: Live Bands
Noon-9 p.m.: Midway Concessions and Games
5:30 p.m.: Balloon Pilot/Crew briefing
6 p.m.: Balloon Launch
7 p.m.: Special Balloon Demonstrations on the infield
8:30 p.m.: Balloon Glow on the infield of the fairgrounds track
MONROE - Severe weather Friday grounded the Monroe Balloon Rally, but organizer Matt Urban expects the festival to draw large crowds Saturday.
Urban made the decision to cancel Friday's evening's balloon launch and glow event after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch late Friday afternoon.
As wind began to increase in strength, lightning crossed the sky and thunder rolled in the distance, Urban told the people who came out to see the balloon launch and balloon glow that events were canceled
"We're going to have horrible weather tonight," Urban told the small crowd that sat in the Green County Fairgrounds grandstand. "We're going to have quite a bit of lightning and heavy winds."
After Urban announced the balloon events were canceled, vendors also began to close up for the night.
Urban said he wasn't disappointed the first night of the balloon rally was called off. That's always a possibility with outdoor events.
"This is what you have to contend with when you have an outdoor festival," he said. "It's just one of those things you have to deal with."
Saturday's events, which include a 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. balloon launch, arts and crafts, concession stands, classic car exhibit and music from noon to 6 p.m., still are scheduled.
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.
Despite the fact the first night of the rally was called off, Urban said it shouldn't cause any financial problems for the rally.
He said the money received from parking passes and donations cover the cost of propane to launch the balloons each day. Businesses sponsored the balloons and the festival, he said.
More information about the balloon rally is available at monroeballoonrally.com.
Urban made the decision to cancel Friday's evening's balloon launch and glow event after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch late Friday afternoon.
As wind began to increase in strength, lightning crossed the sky and thunder rolled in the distance, Urban told the people who came out to see the balloon launch and balloon glow that events were canceled
"We're going to have horrible weather tonight," Urban told the small crowd that sat in the Green County Fairgrounds grandstand. "We're going to have quite a bit of lightning and heavy winds."
After Urban announced the balloon events were canceled, vendors also began to close up for the night.
Urban said he wasn't disappointed the first night of the balloon rally was called off. That's always a possibility with outdoor events.
"This is what you have to contend with when you have an outdoor festival," he said. "It's just one of those things you have to deal with."
Saturday's events, which include a 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. balloon launch, arts and crafts, concession stands, classic car exhibit and music from noon to 6 p.m., still are scheduled.
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.
Despite the fact the first night of the rally was called off, Urban said it shouldn't cause any financial problems for the rally.
He said the money received from parking passes and donations cover the cost of propane to launch the balloons each day. Businesses sponsored the balloons and the festival, he said.
More information about the balloon rally is available at monroeballoonrally.com.