Shelbyville Balloonfest takes flight this weekend

SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Lake Shelbyville’s annual Balloonfest returns this weekend with three days of hot air balloons and aerial activities.

The Touchstone Energy Balloonfest at Lake Shelbyville kicks off Friday afternoon at Willow Ridge Winery. The kickoff event at 4 p.m. will feature some balloons inflating and, if weather permits, a short glow when the sun sets at 6:21 p.m. Food trucks from Brick’s Exquisite Eats and Donut Dollies will be available with entertainment by country artist Brei Carter.

There will be two events on Saturday at the Shelby County Airport, one at sunrise and one in the afternoon and evening. Balloons will fly over the airport from 7 to 9 a.m. and the evening event from 4 to 7 p.m. will feature several different activities, like helicopter rides, a balloon glow and cookout, inflatables and (weather permitting) tethered balloon rides.

The cookout will benefit the Shelbyville Fire Department, event organizers said.

The final event of the weekend will be Sunday at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor’s Center. Balloons will fly over Lake Shelbyville from 7 to 9 a.m.

Admission for all events will be free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated. Helicopter and tethered balloon rides Saturday evening will cost $40 and $10 per person, respectively.

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