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Up, Up and Away Again at Lake Storey
A Galesburg event that took last year off after what was believed to be a decline in sponsorships is back this year.

The Galesburg Great Balloon Race makes a return this weekend at Lake Storey, starting Friday night at 6:00 and running through Sunday morning.

Race founder Greg Saul says even with the year hiatus, most of the balloonists from around the state who have taken part in the past will be again this year, putting their balloons on display when they're not launching and racing toward targets.

Saul tells W-G-I-L there are two things that helped make the comeback possible: The City of Galesburg's first-time financial contribution, and the Young Professionals of Galesburg.

"Without their help we wouldn't be able to have the (Great) Balloon Race. They really pitched in (and) got a lot of sponsors for us that we weren't able to contact...trying to do the race. With more manpower we got out to more businesses and got more people involved, which really helped."

Saul says what also should really help this year is an increase in activities for children...things like face-painting, a petting zoo, music, a kids balloon release, and other activities.

Admission into the balloon race is free. And you can get more information online by clicking on "Community Events" at www.wgil.com.
07 23 09 by Newsroom
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