The City of Elgin is adding yet another reason to bring your family to the riverfront this summer, with the addition of the Fox River Festival of Balloons. The event will take place on Saturday evening, June 21st in Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Street. Over 10 hot air balloons will participate, offering festival-goers the opportunity to see the balloons up close and watch as balloonists inflate the vehicles with hot air throughout the evening.
Beginning at 4:00 p.m. the city will provide live on-stage musical entertainment as festival goers arrive early to enjoy good food and entertainment at the “Taste of Elgin”, taking place in conjunction with the balloon festival. Sponsored by the Community Crisis Center, the “Taste of Elgin” will offer a variety of food vendors, games and entertainment designed to compliment the theme of the balloon fest.
At dusk, the “Glow Show” begins, as these colorful hot air balloons light up the night sky and dramatic music sets the evening mood. Much like a fireworks display, visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the show. Spectators will be invited to come back to Festival Park at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning, June 22, to watch the balloons take off from the park, weather permitting.
The event is free to the public, and free parking is available in all downtown city parking facilities. The Fox River Festival of Balloons as well as many other City of Elgin Special Events throughout the 2008 season have been designed to offer area residents a summer full of fun family entertainment close to home. For a complete list of all upcoming special events and festivals in the City of Elgin, please go to www.cityofelgin.org/events