Hot Air Balloons to Fly Above Grayslake Saturday

As the sun sets on Grayslake Saturday, a warm glow will be cast upon Central Park by the seven hot air balloons that will be featured in the village's first Color Aloft festival.

The weather for the festival, set for 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 24, is forecast to be perfect, with sunny skies and a high near 80. 

The festival will take place on the southwest side of Central Park, across from Grayslake Central High School. The plan is for the balloons to ascend to the skies above Grayslake between 5:30-7 p.m. 

Here's a look at the full schedule of events, provided by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce:

5 p.m.: Pilot check-in and briefing
5:30 p.m.: Festival opens; Family activities provided by various community groups; Welcome and brief introductions.
5:30-7 p.m.: Mass Ascension launch window (weather-dependent)
5:45-7 p.m.: Slam Funk performs on the stage.
7:15-9 p.m.: Prairie Sky performs.
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Balloon night glow
8:45-9:15 p.m.: Balloon propane refueling

According to the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce, if the scheduled flight does not take place due to weather, the night glow will begin earlier, at about 6:30 p.m.

"I'm really looking forward to Color Aloft," said Trustee Bruce Bassett, who has helped coordinate the event. "Depending on the weather, we may have a meet-and-greet with the pilots before launch, although the focus will be on launching." 
Bassett said longtime Grayslake resident—and former balloon pilot—Pat Klemens will provide commentary during the launch, while Balloonmeister Ken Walter will be in charge of the aeronautical aspects of the festival. 

Bassett said volunteers are being sought to help out with the balloon ground crew. 

"Anybody interested in helping out with a balloon ground crew should come to the roped-off balloon area at the west side of the park (across from Grayslake Central High School) by 5 p.m. Pilots will provide training," Bassett said. "We will have seven balloons flying and an additional balloon (and balloonmeister) tethered for the duration of the event."

Additionally, if you have questions that you'd like answered by the pilots at the festival, email them to Bassett by noon Saturday at trusteebassett@hotmail.com.