The 2008 Dates for the 23rd Annual Monroe Balloon Festival will be JUNE 12-15, 2008.  Known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital of the U.S.A.," Monroe, Wisconsin, has hosted the Monroe Balloon Rally since 1985 As many as 21 balloon pilots, weather permitting, might take to the air during the event-filled, 4-day competition. The Glow event hosted this year by Monroe Publishing on Friday and Saturday nights, Swiss Colony Taste of Monroe, Car Show, Arts and Craft Fair, and several benefit meals featuring locally-made foods provide something for everyone attending the event. For more information, contact the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1505 9th Street, Monroe, WI 53566, E-mail: contactus@monroechamber.org, or call: 608-325-7648.

 

Come Meet Mr. Biddle 

 

This 110 foot tall bear balloon in red vest is set to make an appearance to delight young and old alike.

 

The schedule of events includes up to 10 balloons launching from the Green County Fairgrounds at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from Thursday evening, June 12 through Friday evening, June 13.

 

Eleven additional balloons will then expand the field to 21 for the weekend. Half of the balloons will glow on Friday night just prior to sunset at approximately 8 pm and the other half will glow on Saturday night.

 

Weekend Balloon ascentions will be from the fairgrounds and continue from Saturday, June 14 at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, June 15 at 6:00 a.m. All flights are weather dependent and are held at the Green County fairgrounds, an ideal place for balloon enthusiasts to be "in the middle of the action."

 

"This year is particularly exciting as Monroe celebrates its sesquicentennial," says Patty James, Executive Director of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Not only will visitors have a chance to collect autographs of hot air balloon pilots and meet them informally around the Historic Monroe Square on Saturday, but there will also be photo opportunities with various historical celebrities that are rumored to make an appearance."

 

Other weekend festivities for the whole family include the annual Pork Producers dinner on Friday from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., followed by the mesmerizing Balloon Glow at 8:30 p.m., (repeated weather permitting on Saturday night) with pilots illuminating their balloons against the evening sky. On Saturday, the annual Swiss Colony Taste of Monroe, Car Show and Arts and Craft Fair on the square will offer something for everyone, including delicious foods from area restaurants and live music and entertainment.  At 10:00 AM the Green County Geneology Society will sponsor a Cemetary Walk to explore Monroe's historic past.  Then on Sunday morning, pancakes will be plentiful at the benefit pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Monroe Chamber.  To coincide with the balloon launch and pancake breakfast, the Arts and Craft Fair will take place at the fairgrounds on Sunday.

 

For more information, contact the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 1505 9th Street, Monroe, WI 53566, E-mail: contactus@monroechamber.org, or call: 608-325-7648.