Balloons to float again in Monroe
MONROE, Wis. (AP) — The Monroe Balloon Rally will take off again this year, thanks to a new organizer stepping in to pump it up after the Chamber of Commerce bowed out.
The chamber's 8-1 vote in early February seemed to wipe out hopes of holding a 24th consecutive summer rally.
Chamber director Pamela Christopher said it's been a money-losing project for five years, including the loss last year of $13,000.
New rally organizer Matthew Urban said he's encouraging non-profits and other groups to get involved as he plans for the rally June 19 and 20 at the Green County Fairgrounds. He's a former chamber director, longtime rally volunteer and balloon pilot.
He expects up to 20 balloonists to participate.
He said chamber sponsorship has been great but "it is time for the rally to fly on its own."
Feb 25, 2009 at 10:25 p.m.
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Mayor, once again...the balloon you saw is a locally owned balloon. It flies over Janesville all the time. It usually takes off at the youth sports complex.
Feb 25, 2009 at 8:32 p.m.
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I had the opportunity to fly with the Madison area company. It was a huge gondola with I think 12 people. It was memorable but I think the local company here in town might be more fun or maybe personal.
Feb 25, 2009 at 8:07 p.m.
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Token Creek Balloon Rides,Outside of Madison:
http://www.wedofly.com/hot_air_balloon_r...
Feb 25, 2009 at 7:18 p.m.
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I would love to go for a ride in one of these beautiful balloons. One of my goals in life is to go up in one.
Feb 25, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
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LOL janesvillean
Feb 25, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
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Helium balloons are not usually shaped like hot air balloons. The Goodyear and Fuji blimps are helium, and up to 99% of it is recovered when they are docked and stowed, because it is expensive and a non-renewable resource. (If released it escapes to the upper atmosphere.)
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Hot air, on the other hand, is best produced with the help of Gazette commenters. ;-)
Feb 25, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
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I once flew in the big yellow Janesville balloon, it was quite the expirience.
I will also confirm that they have no helium on board, just hot air.
Feb 25, 2009 at 12:52 p.m.
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I still think he was testing the area. I think they have to draw out where power lines are so they don't hit them.
There is no need to spy on GM! Ever heard of Google Earth, duh!
Last thing that I heard was that the state was considering making GM into a prison with a manufacturing component. That way the prisoners can manufacture goods.
BTW, thanks for clearing up the helium confusion.
Feb 25, 2009 at 11:26 a.m.
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There is no helium on board. I heard that he was taking spy photos of the GM site. Wonder who they were for?
Feb 25, 2009 at 11:24 a.m.
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If it was the same balloon that I saw flying over Janesville, then it was the local balloon that always does flights over the JVL area.
Feb 25, 2009 at 10:24 a.m.
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It is amazing to me that they are still going to fly. Does anyone know how much helium it takes to fill one of them?
I saw one of them flying here the other day. I bet they were here testing the area for the summer.
Feb 25, 2009 at 9:23 a.m.
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In order to be successful the Chamber of Commerce needed to promote Balloon Days as much as they do Cheese Days. Maybe a few beer gardens would help too.
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