Welcome to the 7th Annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Whether you come for the Balloons, the Ale Fest, the Collector’s Car Show, the live music, or just for the great entertainment that the whole family can take part in… we want you to remember our mission is to raise funds and awareness for Juvenile Diabetes.

The Great Galena Balloon Race takes place to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Our event raises needed funds for JDRF and for kids to attend Camp Hertko Hollow, a camp for kids with Diabetes in Boone Iowa.

With your support, our event has raised over $40,000 for JDRF. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation works very hard with this money to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. This disease directly affects over 12,500 people in the tri-state area.

One of the people you will help is Cooper Williams, age 9. Cooper is in 3rd grade and lives in Galena. Through the impressive technology of an insulin pump, Cooper monitors his blood sugar level many times per day and is given the proper doses of insulin to ensure he stays healthy. You will probably see Cooper and his friends running around this year’s event thanks to the work of JDRF and the generosity of people like you.

While you are at this year’s race, all of the activities you participate in will generate proceeds that go to support JDRF and scholarships for kids to attend Camp Hertko Hollow. We hope you will take part and even make a donation at the event or on our website.

On behalf of our pilots, sponsors, volunteers, and vendors…

Thanks for attending the Great Galena Balloon Race and for supporting JDRF.

Andy, Shannon, Sue, Milissa and Eric

The Great Galena Balloon Race Steering Committee

Send a Kid to JD Camp

GGBR Supports JDRF
Proceeds from everything at the Great Galena Balloon Race go to support JDRF, your donations, food and beverage proceeds, helium balloons, bracelets, t-shirts, kids activities and of course the support of all of our sponsors.

Make a Donation
You can make a donation to the Great Galena Balloon Race...

By mail:
GGBR Donation
P.O. Box 41
Galena, IL 61036

Email us: and we will contact you if you would like more information or click here if you would like to use a credit card.

If you would like us to feature your child's photo and brief story on this page of our site, email us and let us know. The real stories of children in our area are what this event is all about!