Category Archives: Balloon Glow

Balloon Glow, Blues Music, Car show, Featured, Festival Activities, Live Updates

Getting Ready!

Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival is getting things ready for this afternoon, ARE YOU READY?!?!?

GATES OPEN AT 4:00PM FRIDAY AND 5:00AM SATURDAY!

  1. Blues Band Tent & Stage are going up this morning and are 100% FREE – Beer wagon is available to quench the thirst of any fan. Feel free to bring chairs. Carry in Alcohol is prohibited!
  2. Of course, nothing slows down the Classic Car Show on Saturday and it is likely we will have a special visit from the Planter’s Nutmobile & Oscar Meyer Wienermobile.
  3. Midway will be full blast with unique food, crafts, vendors and activities for the kids.
  4. Dairy Day Cattle Show, which will be hosted by the community of Monticello, will be held Saturday.
  5. The Balloon launch is set for 6:00PM Friday and Saturday. Early risers can come out for a pancake breakfast before the 6:00AM Saturday launch.
  6. Balloon Demonstrations & Glow at 8:30PM Friday and Saturday evenings. Field packs up early, so arrive prior for good seats.

Remember, will do everything possibly so everyone remains as safe as possible and weather plays a very important part in this! For balloon activities: rain, thunder, lightening,as well as even wind speed and direction (both at ground level and higher altitudes) can require modifications to balloon activities. Remember, our balloonists come to fly and are more disappointed then anyone when things don’t work out.

PLEASE monitor our FACEBOOK and TWITTER account as we post live updates as soon as changes are required!!!

 

Balloon Glow, Blues Music, Car show, Featured, Festival Activities, Live Updates, Monroe Balloon Rally & Festival Video

2018 Festival Sponsors

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors that keep the Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival not only running annually, but free to the public!  

The event is possible only with the assistance of many local non-profits, volunteers and is graciously funded by donations and the support of local area businesses. Remember to thank any of the many volunteers and please consider patronizing our generous business sponsors listed below.

Crown Sponsor:

Stage Sponsors:

Car tent:

Balloon Sponsors:

The Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival is organized by ARC, a non-profit devoted to assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Balloon Glow, Blues Music, Car show, Featured, Festival Activities, Live Updates, Monroe Balloon Rally & Festival Video

Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked a lot of questions regarding our Balloon & Blues Event each year and always refer people to our FAQ page. Here are the top 7, that may answer your questions:

          1. DO YOU OFFER BALLOON FLIGHTS?
            Sorry, our festival does not offer balloon rides to the public, due to the additional licensing and insurance required. We do recommend contacting a group like the WI Balloon Group at or Balloon Group of IL. These organization’s will help you find reputable and licensed balloon operators who can schedule a ride. Many will also have larger balloons that can accommodate several people, which can reduce the per person cost.
          2. IS THERE A COST TO THE EVENT?
            Admission is FREE to the Balloon and Blues Festival, but if you want to park inside the Green County Fairgrounds, the cost is $3. Our event able to run due to dedicated  volunteers and gracious local business sponsors. We of course hope that you will participate by purchasing parking, food, drinks, and other items while at the event as many of the booths are run by local non-profits and small businesses.
          3. WHEN DO THE BALLOONS GO UP AND GLOW?
            Hot Air Balloon Launches are scheduled for Friday & Saturday evening at 6:00pm., as well as Saturday morning at 6:00am.
            Hot Air Balloon Glows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30pm on the Fairgrounds. (*Please note that flights may be postponed due to weather concerns. Please watch our Facebook and Twitter page for live updates.)
          4. WHAT BLUES BANDS ARE PLAYING? 
            We have some of the best Blues Bands in this region, and probably the country, in our humble opinion. This year we are pleased to feature: Madtown Mannish Boys, Alex Wilson Band, Stackhouse, The Jimmys, Cash Box Kings, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal . For more information and schedule please visit our Blues Page.
          5. HOW MANY BALLOONS WILL BE IN THE FESTIVAL?
            We generally have between 12-16 balloons.
          6. CAN WE BRING OUR OWN CHAIRS AND ALCOHOL?
            PLEASE, feel free to bring in chairs, blanket or other items to watch the bands, have a picnic or watch the balloon events. BUT, Carry in alcohol is prohibited on the grounds! So, please do not bring alcohol into the grounds. We will have a licensed beer tent available for those who wish to partake
          7. LEASHED DOGS ARE WELCOME
            Please remember to pick up after your dog and that they must remain under your control at all times.