Lincoln has had a long history with Hot Air Ballooning beginning with the Art and Balloon Festival that began in 1988. Later the Balloon Festival was separated from the Art Festival and continued on until 2017. In 2019, Balloons Over 66 began. As with the Art and Balloon Festival, balloon pilots travel from around the country to participate in Balloons Over 66. 30 beautiful hot air balloons will grace the Lincoln/Logan County skies once again! There will also be many other festivities taking place in historic Lincoln, Illinois/Logan County this same weekend.
Hot air balloons are launched in various locations on Friday and Saturday throughout Lincoln. Residents and visitors come to watch the set up and launch. For some residents, the balloons are launched in their backyards! Saturday evening usually concludes with a Balloon Glow. This is where the pilots and crews set up the balloons, keep them tethered, and light them up in the night sky. All are welcome to watch the show.
The events and balloon launches are scattered all over town, and throughout the day. The balloon flights are at 6pm, with the glow at 8pm. Other events that would be good for photography are the Dock Dogs at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm. There's an antique car show at 5pm, and a bags tournament at 3pm.
RSVP our club president to let him know if you are coming and where you would like to meet.
AGENDA: SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON WEATHER
12noon: Leave Home Depot in Champaign, SW parking lot by portable buildings
2pm: Meet at Thorntons near I-55 and IL-121. Make a plan on where we are going.
3pm: Dock Dogs competition
5pm: Car Show
6pm: Balloon Launch
8pm: Balloon Glow.
Photo: © Ray Silva 2021