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Events

Welcome to the Great Galena Balloon Race to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This spectacular 3 day event features over 20 hot air balloons, three races, two night glow extravaganzas, a car show, live music, activities for the whole family, and a Friday night Alefest.

All events take place on the North Course Practice Range at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, our host sponsor.

Directions: Just follow Hwy 20 to Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. Follow Eagle Ridge Drive to Thunder Bay Road. Go left on Thunder Bay road to the parking area. Our shuttles will take you to the event site.


Ale Fest 2008
  • AleFest will feature over 100 the finest craft beer styles. Ticket cost is $20.00.Family Beer and Liquor Each admission is good for samples of craft beer, a tasting glass and guide, and live entertainment.

    Tickets are available at Family Beer & Liquor, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa or click here.

    AleFest will take place in the big tent on Friday night from 6:30-9:00 pm. Special thanks to our AleFest Sponsor-Family Beer and Liquor.

    Must be 21 years of age to attend. Please sample responsibly.

Balloon Race 2008

Friday

  • 6 p.m.
    Balloon Launch

    Galena On The Fly kicks off the event- balloon rides available:
    call: (800)690-1287


  • 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
    Event Activities
    • Food & Beverage Concessions (no carry-ins please!)
    • Dog agility demos by 'That's My Dog'
    • Kids Stuff: face painting, inflatable bounce houses and obstacle course, balloons AND MORE!
    • Music : Zero 2 Sixty
    • Volunteers needed, call Milissa at 815-776-5065
          
  • 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
    Ale Fest
    • AleFest will feature over 100 the finest craft beer styles. Ticket cost is $20.00.
      Each admission is good for samples of craft beer, a tasting glass and guide, and live entertainment.

      Tickets are available at Family Beer & Liquor, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa or email us at info@greatgalenaballoonrace.com.

      AleFest will take place in the big tent on Friday night from 6:30-9:00 pm. Special thanks to our AleFest Sponsor-Family Beer and Liquor.

      Must be 21 years of age to attend. Please sample responsibly.

  • 7:45 p.m.
    Camp Hertko Helium Balloon Launch
  • 8:45 p.m.
    Night Glow Extravaganza
    Watch all the balloons light up the night sky



Saturday

Have your family, friends or corporate picnic at the Great Galena Balloon Race!
Email us: info@greatgalenaballoonrace.com
(Balloon Race Picnics available-includes your own tent, picnic fare, private grill, passes for kids events, JDRF braclets and a staff person (serves 15). Plus enjoy all of the entertainment at the Great Galena Ballooon Race.)
  • 6 a.m.
    'Crack of Dawn' Balloon Race
    Your first chance to see all of the balloons launch at this years event.
    Rides available








  • 5 p.m. -10 p.m.
    Event Activities
    • Collectors Car Show: check out over 40 collector cars!
      - Antique Town Rods of Galena
      - High Point Cruisers of Scales Mound
      - Mainstreet Cruisers of DBQ
      - Southwest Wisconsin Auto Club
    • Kids Stuff: face painting, bounce houses, balloons AND MORE!
    • Food & Beverage Concessions
    • Dog agility Demos by "That's My Dog"
    • Music by Outta Control
      Volunteers needed, call Milissa at 815-776-5065

  • 6:30 p.m.
    The Great Galena Balloon Race!
    Rides available!

  • 7:45 p.m.
    Camp Hertko Helium Balloon Launch


Sunday

  • 6 a.m.
    'Crack of Dawn' Balloon Race
    Last chance to see all the Balloons launch until next year
    Rides Available

Parking and Directions:

Take Hwy 20 East to Eagle Ridge Resort.
Follow Eagle Ridge Drive to Thunder Bay Road.
Go left on Thunder Bay Road to the parking area.
Our shuttles will take you to the launch site.

Visitors with disabilities can proceed to the event site where we have special parking available.