Balloons Over Marine is an annual hot air balloon event taking place in the village of Marine in Madison County, Illinois. The hot air balloon festival, which usually takes place in late September, features take-offs on Friday and Saturday evenings and a sunrise launch on Saturday morning. Other highlights of Balloons over Marine include a spectacular Balloon Glow on Saturday evening.
In addition to hot air balloon launches, the festival features various aviation activities and displays, delicious food, drinks, a bounce house for kids, and much more. Activities take place in the Village Park on Duncan Street. The festival draws many families from the surrounding area thanks to star balloon attractions, such as Drifting Dolphins, Bumble Bee & Bubblegum, or Captain “A.”
Proceeds of the Balloons Over Marine benefit the Marine Community, in particular, to fund improvements in the park and the school, help send children to camp, assist victims of human trafficking and families in need. The event was founded in 2014 by Mr. Bill Weder, owner of the marine coin company while sitting at a Historical Society meeting.
